Self-appointed Syrian President & former leader of Al-Qaeda, Ahmad al-Sharaa(Jolani) claimed “good” progress has been made in direct peace talks with Israel, saying both sides are close to reaching an agreement. Speaking to the Washington Post, Sharaa – formerly Al-Qaeda leader Al Jolani – said the talks aim to normalize relations in exchange for Israel’s withdrawal to its pre-8 December borders. He boasted that his government weakened the Axis of Resi-stance, expelling Iranian militias and Lebanese Resis-tance fighters from Syria “to address Israel’s security concerns.”

The Syrian leader confirmed that the US is actively participating in the negotiations, adding that Donald Trump supports a swift resolution. Jolani’s comments follow his recent visit to Washington, where he met Trump at the White House and IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva.

Sources say the emerging deal involves intelligence cooperation between Syria and Israel targeting Iran and Hezb-ollah. Israeli media have linked the move to Tel Aviv’s ongoing operations in southern Syria and Damascus, launched under the pretext of protecting the Druze population. Jolani’s rise from extremist commander to Western-backed president marks a dramatic shift in Syria’s alliances since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government.