US distances itself from Israeli airstrikes in Syria
The United States did not support Israel's recent airstrikes in Syria, a State Department spokesperson said on Thursday, as Washington urged both sides to reduce tensions and pursue diplomatic channels.
Tammy Bruce, speaking at a regular press briefing, confirmed that the Trump administration conveyed its opposition to the Israeli strikes, which came amid growing regional instability.
On Wednesday, Israeli warplanes targeted sites in Damascus and positions held by Syrian government forces in the south. Israeli officials claimed the operations aimed to push Syrian troops away from Druze areas near the Israeli border — referring to a small but politically significant minority with populations in Israel, Lebanon, and Syria.
'The United States is engaging diplomatically with Israel and Syria at the highest levels, both to address the present crisis and reach a lasting agreement between the two sovereign states,' Bruce stated.
Watch the Department Press Briefing with @statedeptspox Tammy Bruce, from the Press Briefing Room of the State Department. https://t.co/BWKS6ooKU7 https://t.co/rXNWEtRqhm
— Department of State (@StateDept) July 17, 2025
She reiterated Washington's condemnation of violence in Syria, adding that officials were working with all actors on the ground to promote calm and encourage dialogue. 'We are calling on the Syrian government to lead the path forward,' she added.
The remarks come as diplomatic efforts intensify following the Israeli strikes, which have drawn condemnation from regional and international actors.
Earlier, a senior US official told Axios that the Trump administration had privately urged Israel to halt its military operations against Syrian government targets and instead open direct communication channels with Damascus.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
Iraq, Syria seek deeper energy and water cooperation
Shafaq News – Damascus On Tuesday, Iraq's chargé d'affaires in Damascus, Yassin al-Hujaimi, met with Syrian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Mohammed al-Bashir to discuss bilateral cooperation on energy and water issues. In a statement, the Iraqi embassy said the talks focused on daily water releases and managing water quotas amid worsening regional shortages and climate-related pressures. Both sides also discussed Iraq's plan to transport crude oil to the Mediterranean Sea through Syrian territory, as part of Baghdad's strategy to diversify its fuel export routes and reduce reliance on traditional outlets.
Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
Leader Barzani with Sovereignty Alliance: Iraq's political obstacles in focus
Shafaq News – Erbil On Tuesday, Kurdish Leader Masoud Barzani and Sovereignty Alliance Leader Khamis al-Khanjar discussed political developments in Iraq and the wider region. In a meeting held in Salahaddin Resort, Erbil, the two leaders highlighted the crises and challenges facing Iraq's political process, according to a statement from Barzani's office. They also explored ways to enhance coordination and cooperation among Iraqi political forces.
Shafaq News
2 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Clash in Iraqi Parliament disrupts session: Agenda dispute
Shafaq News – Baghdad A parliamentary session in Baghdad was cut short on Tuesday after a heated exchange broke out between Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, his deputies Mohsen al-Mandalawi and Shakhwan Abdullah, and several lawmakers. A parliamentary source told Shafaq News that the argument was triggered by disagreements over newly added items to the session's agenda. Tensions escalated when al-Mashhadani objected to including a vote on the leadership and members of the Federal Service Council, leading to a confrontation with al-Mandalawi. The situation quickly deteriorated into a broader dispute involving members of major Shiite Coordination Framework (CF) and Sunni blocs, including lawmakers Alaa al-Haidari and Raad al-Dahlaki. The session, chaired by al-Mandalawi, was attended by 169 deputies and included key agenda items such as proposed amendments to the Iraq–Saudi Arabia Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investment. Earlier, a separate parliamentary source told Shafaq News that attendance had fallen below 140 lawmakers due to political objections to parts of the agenda—particularly the investment agreement—hindering progress on other scheduled votes.
