Syria's al-Sharaa tells Trump Israel blocks stability by refusing withdrawal

Syria's de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, has told U.S. President Donald Trump that Israel is blocking regional stability by refusing to withdraw from occupied territories. Sharaa stated that Israel rejected including the word 'withdrawal' in any agreement and halted negotiations when the issue was raised. The remarks were made during a reported communication between Sharaa and Trump, highlighting ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Syria has long demanded Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights, captured in 1967 and annexed in 1981, a move not recognized internationally. The exchange underscores the stalled peace process and the broader geopolitical friction involving Israel, Syria, and the United States. No official statements from Israel or the U.S. have been released in response.

Global Impact

Politically, the statement reinforces Syria's position under its new leadership and may complicate U.S. efforts to broker a broader regional deal. Geopolitically, it highlights the unresolved status of the Golan Heights, a flashpoint that could draw in Iran and Hezbollah if tensions escalate.