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Weekly Highlights 22.09.25 - 28.09.25
Al-Sharaa participated in the United Nations General Assembly
On September 24, Al-Sharaa addressed the UN General Assembly. In his speech, he asserted that Syria has shifted from being an "exporter of crises" to a potential source of peace and stability in the region. Al-Sharaa warned of external attempts to "incite sectarian conflict" aimed at destabilizing Syria and emphasized the government's commitment to justice by establishing independent commissions to investigate past abuses.
Al-Sharaa also affirmed Syria's dedication to dialogue and diplomacy with Israel, referencing the ongoing negotiations regarding security agreements. He condemned Israeli military operations against Syria, urging the international community to support Syria in addressing these threats. The UN General Assembly also provided the occasion for Al-Sharaa to meet with Trump, Erdogan, and Zelensky.
Meeting Al-Sharaa - Trump
Following the meeting between Trump and Al-Sharaa, various declarations and decisions were made by the Trump administration regarding Syria. The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the ending of the state of emergency associated with Bashar al-Assad's rule and the lifting of broad-based sanctions. The sanctions framework was redefined as "Sanctions Regulations to Enhance Accountability for Assad and Regional Stability." This change represents a shift from blanket sanctions to more targeted measures aimed at individuals and networks involved in war crimes, human rights abuses, and drug trafficking, particularly concerning the production and smuggling of captagon.
At the same time, Barrack announced that the formation of an "inclusive central government in Syria" is to be expected before the end of 2025, stressing that the U.S. does not consider federalism a suitable solution to the Syrian crisis. In his declaration, Barrack described the Suweida massacres as "regrettable." Trump also revealed plans to issue an “important statement” regarding Syria and stated that lifting sanctions on Damascus was aimed at “giving Syrians breathing space” after previously “very strict” restrictions.
Meeting Al-Sharaa - Erdogan
The two presidents met on Wednesday during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Erdogan restated the “necessity of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) adherence to the March 10 agreement with the Syrian government,” encouraging the Syrian government to increase military and political pressure on the SDF to integrate into Syria. Erdogan added that Turkish support for Syria would “continue to increase.”
Meeting Al-Sharaa - Zelensky
On Wednesday, following a meeting between Al-Sharaa and Zelensky, Ukraine and Syria officially restored diplomatic relations. The two leaders discussed common security threats and areas where Syria and Ukraine can enhance cooperation, which likely includes trade. Although this restoration marks a new phase in the rapprochement between the two countries, it is not the first initiative of its kind. On September 23, Syrian and Ukrainian port and trade officials convened in Damascus to explore ways to enhance their bilateral economic and trade relations. Additionally, during the decline of the Assad regime, the Ukrainian army sought to diminish Russia's influence in Syria by providing training in drone tactics to the armed forces of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
The restoration of diplomatic relations between Syria and Ukraine also follows an increase in diplomatic contact between Russia and Syria in recent months.
SDF - MoD clashes
On September 23, the Syrian Ministry of Defense (MoD) conducted several drone strikes to disable SDF artillery positions located south of Deir Hafer, Aleppo Province. The drone strike killed one SDF member and injured two others. The attack was followed by hours of MoD artillery shelling that hit civilian-populated areas, injuring four children. The SDF responded by targeting several MoD positions in the area with rocket artillery. In a statement, the SDF described the attacks of the Syrian MoD as "a military escalation aimed at destabilizing the region."
Security talks between Syria and Israel break down
Negotiations between Syria and Israel regarding security have stalled due to Israel's demand for a humanitarian corridor connecting Israel to Suweida. Since mid-August 2025, the two countries have been discussing the demilitarization of southwestern Syria, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from territories captured after the fall of the Assad regime, and the situation of the Druze community in Suweida. They were, according to U.S. representatives, close to finalizing a "de-escalation" agreement until Israel reintroduced its demand for the humanitarian corridor.