UAE Mediates Secret Security Talks Between Israel and Syria After President Sharaa's April 13 Visit

The United Arab Emirates has established a backchannel for indirect talks between Israel and Syria, focusing on security and intelligence cooperation, according to Reuters. The effort began following Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's visit to the UAE on April 13, involving UAE, Syrian, and former Israeli intelligence officials. President al-Sharaa confirmed during a press conference in Paris that these indirect negotiations are aimed at calming tensions between the two nations. This acknowledgment comes amidst recent escalations, including an Israeli strike near the Syrian presidential palace in Damascus on May 2. The talks are currently focused on technical issues, with no clear ceiling on what might be discussed later. The initiative is part of broader efforts by Syria's new leadership to manage its increasingly hostile relationship with Israel, with the UAE playing a pivotal role due to its established relations with Israel since 2020.