High-ranking Syrian and Israeli officials held direct talks in Jordan to defuse a mounting regional crisis following a disputed military strike, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP) and official state media. Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad al-Chaibani met with Mossad intelligence chief Roman Gofman under U.S. sponsorship to prevent further cross-border escalation and insulate Damascus from escalating tensions between Israel and Turkey.
Diplomatic Talks in Jordan Target Special Operations Room Setup
According to sources interviewed by AFP, the high-level delegation talks focused on establishing a “special operations room” in Jordan. This facility would operate under American supervision to prevent accidental clashes within Syria. The official Syrian news agency, Sana, confirmed through a foreign ministry source that the U.S.-sponsored discussions aimed at securing a definitive de-escalation following recent Israeli bombardments of Syrian territory.
Israel-Turkey Tensions and Airstrikes Drive Regional Friction
The diplomatic push follows an Israeli airstrike on a northern Syrian air base. According to Israeli statements cited in the reports, the strike aimed to block the deployment of Turkish troops. Ankara has firmly denied any military presence in the targeted area. The friction compounds existing diplomatic hostility; Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan publicly labeled Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Nétanyahou an “antisemitic dictator” just days prior to the talks.
Did you know?
Turkey was the first Muslim-majority nation to officially recognize Israel, though bilateral relations have severely deteriorated under the current administrations.
U.S. Envoy Criticism and Golan Heights Dispute
Tom Barrack, the U.S. emissary in Syria and ambassador to Turkey, condemned the Israeli bombing as an “unnecessary escalation” during an interview with online commentator Mario Nawfal. Barrack suggested the strike could reflect domestic political maneuvering by Prime Minister Benyamin Nétanyahou ahead of Israeli elections in October. Furthermore, Barrack stated that the Golan Heights—seized by Israel in 1967 and annexed in 1981—remains “occupied,” contrasting sharply with Washington’s 2019 recognition of the annexation during Donald Trump’s first presidential term. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz publicly rejected Barrack’s remarks, stating they contradict U.S. President Donald Trump’s official line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who participated in the high-level talks in Jordan?
Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad al-Chaibani and Roman Gofman, head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, met in Jordan during discussions sponsored by the United States, according to AFP sources.
What was the primary goal of the Jordan meeting?
The delegations met to defuse tensions following recent Israeli airstrikes in Syria and to discuss setting up a joint operations room in Jordan under U.S. supervision to avoid military clashes.
Why did Israel strike the Syrian air base?
According to Israeli announcements, the strike intended to prevent the deployment of Turkish troops in northern Syria, though Ankara denied any military presence there.
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