Syria’s Foreign Minister Engages in Talks with Mossad Chief Amid Rising Tensions
By Editor • August 23, 2026 • 1 min read
In a significant diplomatic move, Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani held discussions with Roman Gofman, the head of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, in Jordan on August 23, 2026. This meeting aims to alleviate ongoing tensions following Israel's recent military actions in Syria, including an airstrike on the Abu Duhur base.
The talks mark the first direct negotiations between Syria and Israel in several months, reigniting dialogue that has been sporadic since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Both parties previously agreed in January to establish a mechanism for intelligence sharing, signaling a willingness to address security concerns collaboratively.
During their discussions, al-Shaibani and Gofman reportedly explored the possibility of creating a “special operations room” in Jordan, under U.S. oversight, to mitigate potential conflicts involving Turkey and other regional players. The meeting comes amid rising tensions, especially after Israel's recent strike on southern Syria, which Damascus condemned as a violation of its sovereignty.
Despite the significance of the talks, neither party has officially confirmed the meeting. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office declined to comment on the discussions. U.S. envoy Tom Barrack criticized Israel's military actions as detrimental to regional stability, highlighting the precarious situation in the area.
As the two nations navigate their complex relationship, the establishment of a joint operations room, as suggested in these discussions, could pave the way for improved security cooperation and a reduction in hostilities.
Source: www.thehindu.com
