Syria’s leader Ahmed al-Sharaa wants a security agreement with Israel. That would have been unthinkable under the Assad regime and testifies to the fact that Syria has embarked upon a new course. One of the most important changes brought about by the change of power was that Syria broke with Iran. At the same time, Lebanon is holding talks with Israel on a peace settlement that entails the disarmament of Hezbollah.
If that happens, Iran will have lost one of its strongest cards.
Behind it lies Trump’s plan for a new map of the Middle East in which more countries join the Abraham Accords.
Saudi Arabia is next in line.
Al-Sharaa has allowed militias to proceed harshly against the country’s minorities, such as Alawites, Druze and Christians, which sits uneasily with the conciliatory gesture towards the outside world.
The President told the media outlet that Syria is actively working to achieve such an agreement, and that several countries are involved in the process.
Syria’s leader hopes that a security agreement can pave the way for a comprehensive peace agreement.
He emphasises that such an agreement does not weaken Syria’s claim to the occupied Golan Heights, which lie on the border with Israel in the south-west and which Israel has occupied since 1973.
In the interview, al-Sharaa says that Syria is avoiding confrontation with Israel and that a security arrangement could lead to a broader and more fundamental resolution of the conflict.
Ahmed al-Sharaa came to power in December 2024 following the collapse of the Assad regime.
The President says that Syria has no intention of undertaking any form of military intervention in neighbouring Lebanon, despite repeated rumours in the region. On the contrary, he says that the Syrian government is discussing with the Lebanese authorities how it can provide assistance to help alleviate the crisis and put the country back on track.
Syria can forget about regaining the Golan Heights, which are vital to the defence of northern Israel. From the Golan, Damascus is only a short distance away.