A senior Syrian official has rejected recent speculation about a potential peace deal with Israel, calling such claims “premature” and baseless. Speaking to state-run media, the official stressed that any talk of new agreements is contingent on Israel fully withdrawing from territories it currently occupies, including areas in the southern provinces of Syria.

The statement comes in response to reports of indirect diplomatic engagement between Syria, Israel, and regional mediators, as well as renewed Russian involvement in Syria-Israel discussions.

Syria Holds Firm on Conditions

According to comments broadcast on Al-Ikhbariya, Syria’s official stance remains unchanged: no peace negotiations will occur until Israel adheres to the 1974 disengagement agreement and ends its military presence in southern Syria, particularly in the occupied Golan Heights.

The remarks follow a wave of speculation after Al-Monitor and Israeli media reported secret and indirect talks between Israel and Syria, supported by Gulf states and the United States. Discussions allegedly aim to stabilize the Syrian-Israeli front, especially around the Golan ceasefire line.

Israel Steps Up Operations in Southern Syria

Meanwhile, Israeli military activity continues near the Syrian border. Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee recently published footage of a night raid allegedly targeting an Iranian-linked cell in southern Syria. These incursions have drawn strong reactions in Damascus, where officials accuse Israel of violating Syrian sovereignty.

Since 1967, Israel has occupied the Golan Heights and formally annexed the territory in 1981, a move unrecognized by most of the international community. Syria continues to demand the full return of the territory as a prerequisite for any normalization or peace deal.

Broader Diplomatic Movements

The Syrian denial follows recent reports that Russia is mediating between Israel and Syria to establish operational boundaries and reduce tensions following the Israel-Iran ceasefire. While some sources suggest these parallel efforts could lead to a new stabilization formula for southern Syria, Damascus remains cautious and emphasizes its territorial conditions as non-negotiable.