Syria's Sharaa Presents Regional Plan, Aims for Israel Security Deal

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa described a strategic outlook for Syria and the broader area during recent remarks in an interview.

In discussion with Qatar's Al Jazeera, he explained Syria's efforts to handle strains with Israel alongside matters in Lebanon and Iraq. He also covered domestic topics, including the Kurdish minority and Syria's stance amid shifting global dynamics.

Syrian state media SANA reported that Sharaa described a foreign policy focused on rebuilding, stability, and balanced ties with regional and global actors, while confirming support for Lebanese sovereignty, a future security deal with Israel that upholds Syrian interests, and further economic openness after US sanctions were removed.

A central element involves balancing relations with major powers. Sharaa met US President Donald Trump earlier this month on the margins of the NATO summit in Turkey.

He has also engaged with Russia and European nations previously and recently welcomed the UN chief in Syria.

Sharaa: Syria Seeks Security Arrangement with Israel

The president noted improved relations with the United States after his White House visit and the lifting of sanctions, calling it the start of a positive new chapter in ties, according to SANA.

Sharaa added that Syria received favorable replies from European countries, Russia, and China, and had shared its updated political vision with the international community.

Russia had backed Bashar al-Assad but maintains a naval base in Syria with ties spanning over five decades.

On Russia, Sharaa said contacts started during Syria's liberation and led to an accord limiting Russia's military footprint at Hmeimim Air Base and part of the Tartous naval site, with talks on the bases' future continuing, SANA reported.

Syria aims to keep Moscow links while building closer US relations. It has tried to stay out of Lebanese issues, though it once stationed troops there from 1976 to 2005.

The US has signaled support for Syria confronting Hezbollah, yet Sharaa has declined so far.

Sharaa stated Syria backs the Lebanese state's sole control over arms, noting that years of armed groups outside official structures brought severe results.

This follows Lebanon President Joseph Aoun's meeting with Trump. Trump also met Iraq Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi this month, showing US engagement with Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq.

SANA reported that the Syrian leader addressed Israel.

Regarding Israel, Sharaa said Syria is pursuing a security arrangement by involving multiple nations to build diplomatic pressure on Israel to ease tensions and avoid further clashes.

Strains in Southern Syria as IDF Acts in Golan Area

Recent days have seen increased strains in southern Syria, where the IDF operates in villages near the Golan. Syrian media note near-daily strains in Quneitra and Dara'a provinces.

Syrian civilians remain frustrated at facing IDF tensions without the Syrian government in their villages.

SANA added that Sharaa said if such an agreement is reached and honored by Israel, it could set up a second stage toward full peace without giving up Syria's claim to the occupied Golan.

Syria seeks an independent regional policy. Sharaa indicated Syria has a strategy to attract investment, balance various interests, and avoid conflicts.

He also addressed integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces, the mainly Kurdish group in eastern Syria, into the new Syrian army. Concerns exist over instability in central Syria and possible clashes between Arab tribes and Kurdish forces. Damascus seeks smooth integration.

SANA noted that in northeastern Syria, Sharaa said the government separates the Kurdish community from the Syrian Democratic Forces, having granted wider citizenship and cultural rights to Kurds while finalizing an accord with the SDF after extended talks.