Sharaa: Syria working to reach security deal with Israel, will not give up on Golan Heights claim

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa stated that Syria and Israel are working toward a security agreement with international mediation, expressing hope it could lead to comprehensive peace without relinquishing Syria's claim to the Golan Heights. UN Secretary-General Guterres affirmed UN recognition of the Golan as Syrian territory during a visit to Damascus. Sharaa also ruled out Syrian military intervention in Lebanon.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced that Syria and Israel are working toward a security agreement with the assistance of several countries, expressing hope that such an agreement could pave the way for comprehensive peace while preserving Syria's claim to the Golan Heights. The statement was made in an interview with Al Jazeera on Sunday. Sharaa emphasized that Syria has no interest in conflict with Israel. Separately, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, during a visit to Damascus on July 25, 2026, affirmed that the UN recognizes the Golan Heights as Syrian territory. Sharaa also addressed the situation in Lebanon, stating that Syria will not intervene militarily but is discussing ways to help resolve the crisis with the Lebanese government. He warned that chaos in Lebanon would directly impact Syria and expressed support for placing all weapons and decisions on war and peace under Lebanese state authority.