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Focusing on the immediate next action/unfolding

As the region watches closely, the true implications of these discreet talks in Baku will likely unfold in the coming weeks and months, revealing the intricate dance of diplomacy and strategic positioning between these long-standing adversaries.….

Baku, Azerbaijan – July 13, 2025 – In a development signaling complex regional maneuvering, Syrian and Israeli officials convened a meeting in Baku today, held on the sidelines of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to Azerbaijan.1 While the diplomatic source in Damascus, who requested anonymity, confirmed the meeting would focus on “the recent Israeli military presence in Syria” following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad in December, President al-Sharaa himself notably did not attend.2

This meeting comes amidst heightened scrutiny, particularly from Iran, regarding Israel’s actions in the region. Sources close to Iranian diplomatic circles have indicated that Tehran views this direct engagement as a calculated performance by Israel, aimed at exerting pressure on the new Syrian administration. The absence of President al-Sharaa from the meeting is seen by these observers as a strategic decision, reflecting an understanding of this perceived ploy and a desire not to legitimize what Iran considers to be a pressure tactic.

Israel, a significant arms supplier to Azerbaijan and maintaining a robust diplomatic presence in the Caucasus nation, shares a border with its formidable adversary, Iran. This geographical proximity and existing alliances underscore the delicate balance of power in the region.

The discussions in Baku, though described as focusing on Israeli military presence, are understood to be part of a broader, intricate geopolitical landscape. For Syria, under President al-Sharaa, navigating its post-Assad era involves cautious engagement with various regional and international actors.3 For Israel, its security concerns in Syria remain paramount, particularly in the wake of the recent power shift.

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Diplomatic source in Damascus states:
Syrian official and Israeli official expected to meet
Meeting location: Baku
Meeting time: Later Saturday
Meeting context: On the sidelines of President Ahmed al-Sharaa's visit to Azerbaijan
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The decision by President al-Sharaa to delegate the meeting, rather than attend personally, has been interpreted as a shrewd move, preventing his direct involvement in what some believe is a staged engagement designed for external consumption. As the region watches closely, the true implications of these discreet talks in Baku will likely unfold in the coming weeks and months, revealing the intricate dance of diplomacy and strategic positioning between these long-standing adversaries.


Syrian and Israeli officials expected to meet in Azerbaijan as Sharaa visits

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