Skip to main content

US, Russia hold secret talks over south Syria safe zone

US and Russian officials are quietly negotiating a deal over a proposed "de-escalation" zone near the border with Jordan.
A man walks past damaged buildings in rebel-held area of southern city of Deraa, Syria April 23, 2017. REUTERS/Alaa Al-Faqir - RTS13IWY

WASHINGTON — US and Russian officials have quietly stepped up contacts in recent weeks to try to advance a deal on the creation of a safe zone in southern Syria, Al-Monitor has learned.

The talks included a meeting in Jordan in late May, a former diplomat from the region said on condition of anonymity. Russia, Iran and Turkey negotiated the creation of four zones aimed at de-escalating tensions between Bashar al-Assad's forces and the armed Syrian opposition in early May, and the Donald Trump administration is now trying to see what role the United States can play.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.