May 2025 - Syria Special Weapons News

One killed, three wounded as Israeli strikes hit military positions in Syria Press TV 31 May 2025 -- Israeli warplanes have carried out a series of strikes on former Syrian army outposts in the western provinces of Latakia and Tartus, in the latest string of attacks targeting the Arab country's military infrastructure following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government.
In nod to normalization, Jolani says Syria, Israel 'have common enemies' Press TV 31 May2025 -- Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, head of the HTS-led administration in Syria, has told a publication serving the Jewish community in Damascus that "the reality is, we have common enemies — and we can play a major role in regional security."
Syrian President Receives Saudi Foreign Minister in Damascus SPA 31 May 2025 -- President of the Syrian Arab Republic Ahmed al-Sharaa received Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his accompanying high-level economic delegation at Tishreen Palace in Damascus on Saturday.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar Announce Joint Financial Support for Public Sector Employees from the Syrian Arab Republic SPA 31 May 2025 -- As part of their ongoing commitment to advancing Syria's economic recovery—and following their earlier contribution of approximately $15 million to settle Syria's arrears with the World Bank Group—the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Qatar have announced joint financial support for public sector employees of the Syrian Arab Republic, delivered over a three-month period.
Foreign Minister, High-Level Economic Delegation Arrive in Damascus SPA 31 May 2025 -- Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah arrived in Damascus on an official visit to Syria, accompanied by a high-level economic delegation.
Partial lifting of "asset freezing and other measures imposed on Syrian President Al-Assad and related individuals and entities" Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 30 May 2025 -- Japan has been applying "asset freezing and other measures imposed on Syrian President Al-Assad and related individuals and entities" in order to contribute to the international efforts for achieving international peace.
Daesh claims first attack on former fellow fighters in Syria Press TV 30 May 2025 -- The Daesh terrorist group has claimed an attack on the forces of the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)-led administration, the first of its kind on its former allies since the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
EU sanctions Syria's HTS over 'killings', US consortium inks $7bn deal Press TV 29 May 2025 -- The EU has imposed sanctions on the Syrian military dominated by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militants for their role in the massacre of Alawite civilians on the country's coast earlier this year.
EU lifts sanctions against Syria as HTS moves to normalize ties with Israel Press TV 28 May 2025 -- The European Union has lifted economic sanctions imposed against Syria, as the new administration in the Arab country expressed readiness to normalize ties with the Israeli regime.
Syria: EU adopts legal acts to lift economic sanctions on Syria, enacting recent political agreement EC/CEU 28 May 2025 -- The Council has adopted legal acts lifting all economic restrictive measures on Syria,with the exception of those based on security grounds. The adoption formalises the political decision announced on 20 May 2025, and aims at supporting the Syrian people in reuniting and rebuilding a new, inclusive, pluralistic and peaceful Syria.
Commission welcomes lifting of EU economic sanctions on Syria European Commission 28 May 2025 -- The European Commission welcomes the Council's decision to lift EU economic sanctions on Syria.
Foreign Minister Receives US Special Envoy for Syria SPA 28 May 2025 -- Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received today US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack, with whom he discussed measures to support the brotherly Syrian people on both humanitarian and economic levels and provided aid and assistance during this critical period.
IOM Welcomes EU and US Decisions to Lift Sanctions on Syria IOM 27 May 2025 -- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has welcomed the recent decisions by the European Union and the United States to lift a significant portion of sanctions imposed on Syria.
Sanctions relief for Syria offers 'powerful message of hope,' says UN migration agency UN News 27 May 2025 -- The UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) has welcomed recent decisions by the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union to ease sanctions against Syria.
In line with the decision of HM King Mohammed VI to reopen the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Damascus, a technical delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates visited the Syrian capital to finalize the necessary arrangements for the embassy's reopening. Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 May 2025
Israel, Syria holding direct meetings amid Jolani's repeated overtures Press TV 27 May 2025 -- Israel and Syria are in direct contact and have, in recent weeks, held face-to-face meetings after Syria's self-proclaimed president Abu Mohammed al-Jolani voiced a desire to eventually normalize ties with the regime.
US Authorizes Transactions With Syria as Part of Sanctions Relief - Treasury Sputnik 24 May 2025 -- The United States has authorized transactions with Syria as part of sanctions relief, the Treasury said on Friday.
QA-9, 24 May 2025, Statement of the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Öncü Keçeli, in Response to a Question Regarding Recent Decisions on the Lifting of Sanctions Imposed on Syria Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 May 2025
Palestinian resistance groups leave Syria under pressure from HTS regime: Report Press TV 23 May 2025 -- Various senior Palestinian resistance officials have reportedly left Syria and their groups disarmed after mounting pressure from the new authorities in the Arab country, who have forged close ties with the US and are said to be seeking relations with the Israeli regime.
Providing Sanctions Relief for the Syrian People US Dept. of State 23 May 2025 -- In accordance with the President's promise to deliver sanctions relief to Syria, I have issued a 180-day waiver of mandatory Caesar Act sanctions to ensure sanctions do not impede the ability of our partners to make stability-driving investments, and advance Syria's recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Treasury Issues Immediate Sanctions Relief for Syria US Treasury 23 May 2025 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued Syria General License (GL) 25to provide immediate sanctions relief for Syria in line with the President's announcement for the cessation of all sanctions on Syria. GL 25 authorizes transactions prohibited by the Syrian Sanctions Regulations, effectively lifting sanctions on Syria.
Syrians face staggering needs amid insecurity and healthcare crisis UN News 23 May 2025 -- Millions of people in Syria continue to face mortal danger from unexploded munitions, disease and malnutrition and more international support is urgently required, senior UN aid officials said on Friday.
Norway supporting Syria at a critical time Government of Norway 22 May 2025 -- 'The sense of hope which the Syrian people expressed amid destruction, is what stands out the most, said the Norwegian Minister of International Development, Åsmund Aukrust, after visiting Syria today.
The story of tomorrow's Syria is being written now. Government of Norway 22 May 2025 -- Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust visited Syria today. Six months after the fall of the Assad regime, the political situation remains fragile.
Iran UN envoy says removal of Syria sanctions 'long overdue' but 'positive' step Press TV 22 May 2025 -- Iran has described the decision by the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom to lift and suspend unilateral sanctions on Syria as a "long overdue" but "positive" step.
US warns of Syria's collapse without embracing rebranded al-Qaeda Press TV 21 May 2025 -- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has appealed for further American and regional support for the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)-led administration in Syria to ward off its "potential collapse " amid the ruling regime's suppression of minorities.
Historic shifts offer Syria a path forward UN News 21 May 2025 -- After years of stalemate and suffering, Syria is beginning to see renewed international engagement.
Humanitarian Needs Remain Immense, Growing in Complexity across Syria, Senior Official Tells Security Council, Noting Shortfalls in Funding UN Security Council 21 May 2025 -- The security and humanitarian situations in Syria remain precarious, top UN officials told the Security Council today, urging an end to sectarian violence — particularly involving Alawite and Druze communities — and warning of a deepening economic crisis and financing shortfall that is preventing vital humanitarian aid from reaching those in need.
Iran: Continued Israeli attacks on Syria must be condemned IRNA 21 May 2025 -- Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Amir-Sa'eed Iravani has stressed that the continued occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights by the Israeli regime is a clear violation of international law and Security Council Resolution 497 (1981).
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Development Minister Reem Alabali-Radovan on the lifting of all economic sanctions against Syria Germany Federal Foreign Office 20 May 2025 -- At today's Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, the EU member states agreed to lift all economic sanctions against Syria.
Syria: Council statement on the lifting of EU economic sanctions EC/CEU 20 May 2025 -- The EU has stood with the Syrian people throughout the last 14 years, engaging in the search for a political solution and leading financial assistance. The EU also adopted sanctions against Assad's criminal regime.
Joint Statement on the U.S.-Türkiye Syria Working Group US Dept. of State 20 May 2025 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States and the Republic of Türkiye.
Syrians heading home find few of the basics needed to survive UN News 19 May 2025 -- Syrians trying to rebuild their lives in their war-torn country urgently need the support of the rest of the world to help them start again, UN aid agencies insist.
Türk says Syria commissions are integral steps for better future OHCHR 19 May 2025
Syria - Statement by the Spokesperson on the establishment of the National Authority for Transitional Justice and the National Authority for Missing Persons European External Action Service (EEAS) 19 May 2025 -- The EU welcomes the formation of the National Authority for Transitional Justice and the National Authority for Missing Persons in Syria. This is an important step towards the comprehensive justice and truth which the Syrian people deserve.
Iran opposes any external intervention in Syria: Diplomat IRNA 19 May 2025 -- A senior Iranian diplomat says Iran firmly opposes any form of external intervention in Syria, tressing that it is the Syrian people who must move toward political, ethnic and cultural unity through dialogue.
Iraqi FM urges stability, inclusivity in Syria as country in tatters by foreign interventions Press TV 19 May 2025 -- Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has emphasized the critical need for stability, security and an inclusive political process in Syria following the downfall of Bashar al-Assad's government, stating that all groups and factions must be involved in shaping the Arab nation's future.
PM Office-Mossad: 60 Years after his Execution: Approximately 2,500 Documents, Photographs and Personal Items of Mossad Agent Eli Cohen are brought to Israel in a Covert Mossad Operation Israel - Prime Minister 18 May 2025 -- In a covert and complex Mossad operation, in cooperation with an allied foreign intelligence service, the official Syrian archive on Eli Cohen (https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/eli-cohen) - with thousands of findings that were held for decades by the Syrian security forces in a highly compartmentalized manner - have been brought to Israel.
Syria's Shift Away From Iran Sparks Media Backlash After Trump Meets With Ahmed al-Sharaa RFE/RL 16 May 2025 -- US President Donald Trump's historic meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, has not gone over well with the hard-line media in Iran.
Having Lost Syria, Iran Watches As 'Axis' Lynchpin Turns Toward US RFE/RL 16 May 2025
China always opposes illegal unilateral sanctions: FM responds to Trump's decision to lift sanctions on Syria Global Times 15 May 2025 -- When asked to comment on US President Donald Trump's decision to lift sanctions on Syria, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday that China has always opposed illegal unilateral sanctions.
Pakistan Welcomes the United States' Decision to lift Sanctions from Syria Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 May 2025 -- Pakistan welcomes the United States' decision to lift sanctions from Syria, marking a pivotal step towards regional stability and economic recovery.
Secretary Rubio's Meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister al-Shaibani US Dept. of State 15 May 2025
Trump meets Syrian interim leader on ties, says willing to make deal with Iran People's Daily 15 May 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump held a meeting on Wednesday with Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss normalizing bilateral ties, while expressing his willingness to reach a deal with Iran.
OIC Secretary-General Welcomes US President's Announcement Lifting Sanctions on Syria Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 14 May 2025
Statement on lifting sanctions on Syria Government of Norway 14 May 2025
Joint Statement by UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, and Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria Crisis, Ramanathan Balakrishnan, on the Announcement by the United States to Lift Sanctions on Syria UNOCHA 14 May 2025 -- We welcome the recent announcement by President Donald J. Trump regarding the lifting of sanctions imposed by the United States on the Syrian Arab Republic. This decision, upon implementation has the potential to alleviate the protracted suffering of millions of Syrians and to unlock tangible progress in the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the advancement of early recovery efforts.
Trump Pledges Syria Sanctions Relief In First US Meeting With Al-Sharaa After Years Of Isolation RFE/RL 14 May 2025 -- For more than a decade, Syria stood as one of the world's most isolated nations, battered by civil war, economic collapse, and the unyielding grip of international sanctions.
'Now it's their time to shine': Trump to lift all sanctions on Syria, meet with Jolani Press TV 14 May 2025 -- US President Donald Trump has announced that he would lift the entirety of Washington's sanctions against Syria after the new administration in the Arab country reportedly proposed making "peace" with the Israeli regime, the US's closest regional ally.
U.S. president meets Syria's interim leader in Riyadh IRNA 14 May 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has met with Syria's interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, known by his nom de guerre al-Julani.
President Erdoğan holds online meeting with leaders of the U.S., Saudi Arabia and Syria Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 14 May 2025 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held an online meeting with President Donald Trump of the U.S., Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia and President Ahmad Al-Sharaa of the Syrian Arab Republic.
Trump inks major defense deal with Saudi Arabia, announces plan to lift sanctions on Syria People's Daily 14 May 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday secured a 600-billion-U.S. dollar investment commitment from Saudi Arabia in Riyadh and vowed to lift sanctions on Syria.
Jolani proposes Trump Tower in Damascus, peace with Israel for sanctions relief: Report Press TV 12 May 2025 -- The head of the HTS-led administration in Syria has offered to build Trump Tower in Damascus, reach peace with Israel and provide the US with access to Syria's oil and gas, as he is seeking US sanctions relief, a report says.
HRH the Crown Prince, Syrian President Review Latest Developments in Syria SPA 11 May 2025 -- His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has received a phone call from President Ahmad al-Sharaa of the Syrian Arab Republic.
Syria's HTS officials visited Israel for normalization: Report Press TV 09 May 2025 -- A delegation from the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)-led administration in Syria has reportedly made a secret visit to the occupied territories to hold direct talks with Israeli officials after HTS head Abu Mohammed al-Jolani signaled readiness to normalize ties with Israel.
Macron hosts Syria's de facto president and ex-Qaeda leader at Elysee Press TV 08 May 2025 -- Syria's de facto leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani has met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in his first visit to a European country.
Syria: Statement by the Spokesperson on the recent wave of violence in Southern Syria European External Action Service (EEAS) 07 May 2025 -- The EU strongly condemns the violent attacks and ensuing clashes which have resulted in a significant number of casualties in Southern Syria over the last days. The EU calls for an end to violence across the country, unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, and the respect of international humanitarian law and human rights law in all circumstances.
Syria's HTS-led administration in talks with Israel to stop situation from 'getting out of control': Jolani Press TV 07 May 2025 -- The head of the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)-led administration in Syria has confirmed "indirect" negotiations with the Israeli regime aiming to prevent, what he called, an uncontrollable explosion of the underway situation amid Tel Aviv's incessant military aggression towards Syria.
UN investigators take on 'titanic' task of finding Syria's missing UN News 06 May 2025 -- As Syria emerges from over a decade of brutal conflict, a new chapter is beginning in the search for the tens of thousands who went missing during more than 50 years of dictatorship.
Iran and Saudi Arabia support Syria's territorial integrity IRNA 05 May 2025 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their support for Syria's territorial integrity and condemned Israeli attacks on Syria.
Iran, Saudi Arabia stress 'strong support' for Syria's territorial integrity amid Israeli aggression Press TV 05 May 2025 -- Iranian and Saudi officials have jointly affirmed their commitment to Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and condemned the Israeli military aggression against the Arab nation as "destabilizing and unlawful".
Islamic Jihad: Arab, Islamic nations will not be safe from Israel's aggression on Syria IRNA 04 May 2025 -- The Islamic Jihad Movement has said that the Israel's aggressions are against all Arab and Islamic nations, especially Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, and that the rest of the Arab regions will not be safe from these aggressions and their consequences.
Iranian firm dismisses Reuters' account of Syria presence Press TV 04 May 2025 -- Iran's largest energy construction company, Mapna Group, has dismissed a recent report by Reuters news agency, which claimed that the company's presence in Syria in the past decade was in line with an alleged Iranian project to build an economic empire in the Arab country.
PM call with Prime Minister Albanese of Australia: 4 May 2025 Gov.UK 04 May 2025
UK statement on attacks against the Druze community in Syria UK FCDO 03 May 2025 -- The UK has issued a statement in response to recent attacks against the Druze community in Syria.
UN envoy condmens Israeli violations of Syria's sovereignty, says airstrikes must stop 'at once' Press TV 03 May 2025 -- United Nations special envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen has strongly condemned Israel's escalating violations of Syria's sovereignty, saying the occupying regime must stop its airstrikes "at once."
U.N. envoy calls for immediate end to Israeli attacks on Syria IRNA 03 May 2025 -- United Nations special envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen says Israel must immediately stop its attacks on Syria.
Israeli attacks part of broader strategy to 'disintegrate Syria': Hezbollah Press TV 03 May 2025 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement has condemned the latest Israeli aggression on Syria, calling it a blatant violation of Syrian sovereignty and an attempt to disintegrate the country.
Hezbollah says recent Israeli attacks are aimed at disintegrating Syria IRNA 03 May 2025 -- Hezbollah has condemned recent Israeli attacks against Syria, saying the aggression is part of the broader strategy of disintegrating the country.
Iran, Hezbollah Accuse Israel of Seeking to Break Syria Apart With Constant Strikes Sputnik 03 May 2025 -- Israel continues to step up its attacks on Syria, carrying out over 700 strikes against the country and expanding the territories it directly occupies beyond the Golan Heights following the December 2024 fall of the Assad government.
Iran: Israel's strikes on Syria aimed at destroying independent state Press TV 03 May 2025 -- Iran says the Israeli regime's airstrikes on Syria are primarily intended to destroy the defensive, economic, and infrastructural capabilities of an independent country.
Iran condemns Israeli aggression against Syria IRNA 03 May 2025 -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has strongly condemned the new Israeli airstrikes on several regions of Syria, including the capital, Damascus.
Palestinian official abducted by HTS forces in Syrian capital: Reports Press TV 03 May 2025 -- Forces of Syria's ruling administration, which is led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have abducted Talal Naji, a senior official with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) organization in the Syrian capital Damascus, reports have shown.
Israeli regime launches new wave of airstrikes in Syria Press TV 03 May 2025 -- The Israeli regime has launched a major wave of airstrikes in Syria.
PM Netanyahu Speaks with the Spiritual Leader of the Druze Community in Israel, Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif Israel - Prime Minister 02 May 2025 -- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Friday, 2 May 2025), spoke with the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, who thanked him for his directive to take strong action to protect the Druze in Syria in recent days, including the Prime Minister's decision last night to strike the Presidential Palace compound in Damascus.
OIC General Secretariat Strongly Condemns Israeli Airstrikes near Presidential Palace in Damascus Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 02 May 2025 --The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned the continued and escalating Israeli aggression against the Syrian territory and denounced the Israeli airstrike in the vicinity of the Presidential Palace in Damascus, in flagrant violation of international law and the sovereignty of the Syrian Arab Republic.
Saudi Arabia Condemns Israeli Airstrike Near Damascus Presidential Palace SPA 02 May 2025 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's condemnation in the strongest terms of the Israeli airstrike that targeted the vicinity of the presidential palace in Damascus. The Kingdom reiterated its firm rejection of the Israeli attacks that violate the sovereignty, security, and stability of the Syrian Arab Republic.
Israel Struck Target Near Presidential Palace in Damascus - Netanyahu Sputnik 02 May 2025 -- Israel struck a target near the presidential palace in Damascus to prevent a threat to the Druze community in Syria, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
Israel escalates attacks on post-Assad Syria, strikes near presidential palace IRNA 02 May 2025 -- The Israeli regime has launched a new round of assaults against Syria, targeting the vicinity of the Arab country's presidential palace in Damascus as a warning to the ruling Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham-led (HTS) administration.
Israel strikes near presidential palace in Syria amid HTS silence Press TV 02 May 2025 -- Israeli warplanes have conducted airstrikes adjacent to the presidential palace in the Syrian capital of Damascus, marking the regime's second attack in the Arab country this week amid the silence of the ruling Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham-led (HTS) administration.
UN Syria Commission: Fresh clashes and Israeli intervention threaten fragile peace OHCHR 02 May 2025 -- The recent surge in violence and deadly clashes with sectarian dimensions in Damascus countryside, which also spread to Suweyda governorate, is deeply troubling for Syria's path toward sustainable and rights-respecting peace, the UN Syria Commission warned today.
Guterres condemns violence against civilians in Syria, urges Israel to stop attacks UN News 02 May 2025 -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres is following developments in Syria, where fresh fighting in the capital Damascus and elsewhere is threatening fragile efforts toward peace and political transition.
The Federal Foreign Office on clashes in southern Syria Germany Federal Foreign Office 02 May 2025 -- A Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson issued the following statement today (2 May 2025):
Over 100 killed in fresh sectarian violence by HTS militants in Syria Press TV 01 May 2025 -- At least 101 people have been killed over the past two days in a Damascus suburb in fierce clashes between ruling Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham militants and fighters from the local Druze religious community, a report says.
Syria's HTS administration rejects 'foreign intervention' after Israeli strike near Damascus Press TV 01 May 2025 -- Syria's Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham-led (HTS) administration has rejected all forms of "foreign intervention" in the country's affairs after an Israeli strike hit a town near the capital Damascus, amid deadly sectarian violence.
Ending Violence in Syria US Dept. of State 01 May 2025 -- The recent violence and inflammatory rhetoric targeting members of the Druze community in Syria is reprehensible and unacceptable.
Statement by UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, on the recent hostilities in Syria UNOCHA 01 May 2025

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May 2025 - Syria Special Weapons News