Damascus remains a wary onlooker as conflict escalates between Israel and Iran, a confrontation threatening to engulf the broader Middle East.
Syria’s state media has given top billing to the tit-for-tat strikes, with the country's main news channel devoting extended airtime to live coverage and in-depth analysis of the fast-moving developments.
Despite widespread Arab and regional condemnation of Israel's actions, Syria has yet to issue an official statement or comment on the matter.
In a notable statement, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of dragging the region and the world toward catastrophe, advised Syria to steer clear of the conflict.
Erdogan described Israel’s actions as “reckless, aggressive and illegal,” calling them a clear provocation and blatant violation of international law.
During a phone call with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa on Saturday, Erdogan urged Damascus to avoid being drawn into the regional confrontation.
The two leaders discussed the rapidly intensifying Israeli-Iranian standoff and other regional and international issues of mutual concern, according to a statement from the Turkish presidency.
Syria has no intention of becoming involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran, according to sources close to the government in Damascus, who say the war-ravaged country remains equally distrustful of both sides.
“The Syrian state is too fragile, and its priority is rebuilding and stabilization. It cannot afford to take ill-considered positions in a conflict involving two parties that have both contributed to Syria’s destruction,” a senior source told Asharq Al-Awsat.
The source said Damascus is exercising “extreme caution” as regional tensions mount and is working to shield itself from any potential spillover.
Since returning to the regional fold, Syria has placed how it deals with Israel issue firmly on the Arab and international agenda, advocating negotiations and the implementation of the 1974 disengagement agreement without ruling out the possibility of a future peace deal.
Despite repeated Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory, including hits on military sites, Damascus has stuck to its position, seeking diplomatic solutions while avoiding direct confrontation.
As for Iran, even after its withdrawal from Syria, Damascus still views Tehran as a rival, accusing it of continued interference and attempts to undermine Syria’s security and stability.
Sources close to the Syrian government said Damascus fears the broader implications of Israel’s aggressive posture, warning that unchecked escalation could destabilize the entire region.
“There will be no official position from Damascus against either side, unless Syria itself is directly targeted,” one source said, noting that the government remains focused on protecting its own fragile recovery and avoiding entanglement in a wider regional conflict.
