Syria holds talks with Israel addressing de-escalation and Israel-Turkey tensions

This handout photograph released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on December 8, 2025, shows Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa observing the military parade in Damascus during the anniversary of the ousting of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad.

A rare meeting was held between Mossad Director Roman Gofman and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in an effort to ease tensions and prevent a security escalation.

The talks focused on practical mechanisms to halt Israeli strikes, arrests and targeted operations, and on reviving negotiations towards a security agreement that could lay the groundwork for a broader future accord.

But it has proven elusive as Israel has sent troops into Syrian territory and attacked government assets, citing threats to its security.