A new wave of diplomatic movement has begun in the Middle East. Two nations that have long shared a history of hostility and conflict are now reportedly engaging in behind-the-scenes conversations. According to fresh reports, Syria and Israel held a secret meeting in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The development has caught the attention of international media, raising the crucial question: is Syria preparing to normalize ties with Israel?
At the heart of this development is the strategic involvement of the United States. In a significant policy move, the US has lifted sanctions on Syria. However, experts suggest that this move comes with conditions. It is believed that President Donald Trump, in his second term, has demanded that Syria formally recognize Israel as a sovereign state in exchange for economic relief and diplomatic legitimacy.
This is no small ask. Syria and Israel have maintained extremely tense relations for decades. One of the most contentious issues between the two has been the Golan Heights — a region captured by Israel in 1967 and later annexed, though the move remains unrecognized by Syria and most of the world. For years, direct or even indirect talks were unimaginable.
Now, however, Syria appears to be entering a new phase under its new president, Bashar al-Shara. The leadership under al-Shara is reportedly aiming to reposition Syria on the global diplomatic stage. The country is reeling under years of war, sanctions, and international isolation. In this context, normalization with Israel — as controversial as it may be domestically — could unlock critical foreign aid, economic support, and diplomatic acceptance.
A recent report suggested that a meeting between Syrian and Israeli officials had taken place in the UAE, acting as one of the discreet diplomatic venues. Adding fuel to the fire, Israeli media outlet KAN also reported that another similar meeting happened in Baku, Azerbaijan. These meetings reportedly focused on sensitive issues including regional security, de-escalation of border tensions, and Israeli military activities inside Syria.
Interestingly, Syrian President al-Shara did not attend these meetings in person. However, a senior official from his administration is said to have participated, indicating that the dialogue had official backing and was more than a trial balloon.
Observers point to a poster published by US media just a few weeks ago that might provide a clue to this new alignment. It showed Donald Trump alongside several Arab leaders, including Syrian President al-Shara. The image was titled "Abraham Alliance" — a term used by the Trump administration to signify its broader initiative to bring Israel and Arab nations together in peace and cooperation. This is an extension of the earlier Abraham Accords that brought countries like the UAE and Bahrain into formal relations with Israel.
If Syria does move forward to officially normalize ties with Israel, it would mark a monumental geopolitical shift. Such a move would not only change the balance of power in the region but also send shockwaves through nations and groups that have long positioned themselves against Israel. Chief among them would be Iran and various pro-Palestinian factions, who would see Syria’s move as a deep betrayal of the long-held Arab consensus.
In the short term, normalization could help Syria attract foreign investment, reopen diplomatic channels, and reduce the risk of further Israeli airstrikes within its territory. For Israel, having Syria as a diplomatic partner — or at least a neutral neighbor — would be a huge strategic win.
However, this is a high-stakes gamble. While the economic and political incentives for Syria are strong, domestic opposition from powerful factions aligned with Iran and traditional Arab resistance groups could destabilize al-Shara’s leadership if not handled carefully.
Ultimately, this quiet diplomacy — if successful — could lead to one of the most unexpected and impactful peace breakthroughs in recent Middle Eastern history. And if this secret Baku meeting was indeed the first step, the coming months could bring even more surprising developments.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available reports, media coverage, and expert speculation. The information regarding the secret meetings between Syria and Israel, as well as the involvement of the United States and President Donald Trump, has not been officially confirmed by the concerned governments. The blog is intended for informational and analytical purposes only and should not be interpreted as a statement of fact.
