Syrian diplomat and politician, foreign affairs chief in the Syrian transitional government since 2024
Pakistan and Lebanon are expanding defense cooperation as both countries discuss regional security and the evolving Middle East conflict. The talks, held in Rawalpindi, focus on training, professional exchanges, and stronger military links, with Lebanon’s army chief acknowledging Pakistan’s forces’ operational excellence.
Syria has invited Lebanese figures and met key Lebanese leaders, signalling a shift in Damascus-Beirut relations. Damascus rejects military intervention in Lebanon while seeking economic and security cooperation. Western leaders have floated unprecedented ideas about Syria taking a role in disarming Hezbollah, but Syria’s new government has dismissed such plans.
French President Emmanuel Macron has visited Damascus to discuss strengthening bilateral relations as Syria seeks reconstruction after years of civil war. He has met Syrian officials and plans to attend a NATO summit in Ankara, highlighting Europe’s interest in re-engaging with Damascus amid regional stability efforts.
A sequence of bombings in central Damascus has killed and wounded civilians, with authorities announcing arrests of suspects and pledging to pursue those behind the attacks as Macron’s visit to Syria unfolds amid security concerns.
The United Nations chief has urged the immediate removal of sanctions on Syria as he concludes a two-day visit, stressing Syria’s crossroads and the need for investment to rebuild infrastructure, institutions and livelihoods. He has met interim leadership, civil society and UN peacekeepers, while calling for international support to accelerate recovery and safe returns for refugees.
Syria has signed a memorandum with Russia that will hand civilian control of Hmeimim airport and Tartus’ commercial berth to Damascus and convert military areas at both sites into joint Russian–Syrian training centres. The agreement follows 18 months of talks, sets a three‑month transition and preserves Russian access for naval and air transit duties.
Al-Shaibani and Netanyahu have traded statements after Israel attacked the Abu al-Duhur airbase in Syria, saying there was no Turkish military build-up at the site. Damascus maintains the base remains Syrian, while Ankara denies any Turkish presence. The strike has drawn regional condemnation and heightened tensions among Syria, Turkey and Israel.
Syria has signaled it plans to renew dialogue with Israel on a security deal that would end attacks and permit Israeli withdrawal from Syrian territory. Damascus says negotiations are frozen but expected to restart as Washington presses for a deal. Syria emphasizes its goal of regional stability and ceasefire, while Israel faces international pressure amid recent airbase strikes.
Syria and Israel are engaging in negotiations, brokered with U.S. mediation in Jordan, aimed at halting Israeli attacks and reviving a security agreement. Damascus emphasizes sovereignty and an Israeli withdrawal to pre-2024 lines, while talks focus on de-escalation, a joint operations room, and security zones. Israel insists on its security needs and warns against Turkish activity in Syria.