Syria and Israel Hold US-Brokered Security Talks in Jordan

Syrian and Israeli officials held U.S.-brokered talks in Jordan on August 23 aimed at easing security tensions. The meeting followed repeated Israeli airstrikes inside Syria, including an attack on a major Syrian Air Force base.

Details of the discussions remain limited. Both sides have an interest in preventing uncontrolled escalation while the broader regional conflict continues. Israel has conducted dozens of strikes against Iranian-linked targets and Syrian military positions since the start of the year.

The talks occur against the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Hamas fighting in Gaza and the wider confrontation involving Iran. U.S. mediators have sought to keep secondary fronts from expanding further.

Earlier in the week Israeli forces continued limited operations in Gaza that Palestinian health officials said killed civilians, including children. Israeli officials accused Hamas of launching attacks, including with kites.

Whether the Jordan meetings produce practical de-confliction measures or remain a one-off contact will become clear in the coming days through the pattern of airstrikes and border incidents.