Middle East diplomacy: Syria-Israel talks and Lebanon security concerns

Diplomatic tensions are rising in the Levant following reports of high-level intelligence meetings and shifts in diplomatic status. In Syria, Damascus issued an official statement after reports surfaced regarding a meeting between Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Mossad chief Roman Gofman. The meeting, intended to de-escalate tensions following Israeli strikes on the Abu al-Duhur airbase, was reportedly leaked by Israeli sources. Syria has expressed expectations for renewed negotiations regarding a security agreement that could lead to Israeli withdrawal from Syrian territory.

In Lebanon, the status of the Iranian ambassador is under scrutiny. Reports suggest that if the ambassador remains in Lebanon after his visa expires, his diplomatic immunity may lapse, potentially reclassifying him as an IRGC general and increasing his risk of Israeli targeting.

Regarding the Lebanese-Israeli conflict, diplomatic sources indicate that a proposal exists for the Lebanese Army to take control of specific sites, a move reportedly resisted by Hezbollah. Meanwhile, Speaker Nabih Berri is expected to present new proposals to US mediators to move beyond the current deadlock in negotiations.