
Macron-Abdi meeting under preparation
Preliminary arrangements are underway in Paris to organize a meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a diplomatic source told Shafaq News on Wednesday.
The source noted that the preparations remain in early stages and that no final date has been set for the meeting.
The development follows earlier reporting by Shafaq News on July 24, when informed sources revealed that a planned meeting in Paris between a Syrian government delegation and SDF representatives had been postponed due to widening disagreements between the two sides.
That meeting was expected to include Mazloum Abdi and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani, along with their respective delegations. It was to be held under the auspices of President Macron, with the participation of US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack and French officials, before ultimately being delayed.

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
Netanyahu sets terms for ending Gaza war
Shafaq News – Middle East On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated five principles set by his security cabinet for ending the war in Gaza, insisting that their implementation is the only path to ensuring Israel's security and achieving what he described as 'victory.' Netanyahu stressed that the principles, approved by the cabinet last week, include the disarmament of Hamas, the return of all hostages — both living and deceased — and the complete demilitarization of the Gaza Strip to prevent the production or smuggling of weapons. The framework also calls for continued Israeli security control in Gaza, including over the security perimeter, and the establishment of an alternative civil administration that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority. The measures are part of Israel's broader war strategy, which the security cabinet advanced on August 14 amid the ongoing war that has killed at least 61,776 Palestinians and injured more than 154,906 since October 7. Gaza's Government Media Office warned that 40,000 infants face life-threatening malnutrition, 250,000 children under five are suffering from severe food shortages, and 1.2 million minors are living with acute food insecurity.


Shafaq News
3 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Larijani's visit to Iraq and Lebanon: Deeper cooperation and resistance support
Shafaq News – Beirut Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani affirmed on Thursday that his visits to Iraq and Lebanon sought to strengthen strategic ties and deepen regional coordination amid rapid developments in the Middle East. His two-day visit to Baghdad involved talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, and other senior figures. The trip continued in Beirut, where he engaged with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem. In an interview with al-Mayadeen television after the tour—the first since he assumed his post—Larijani characterized Iraq and Lebanon as priority destinations, citing their historic ties with Tehran and the depth of existing cooperation. Discussions in Baghdad, he explained, focused on strategic files and concluded with the signing of a bilateral security agreement, whose core he portrayed as a mutual commitment to safeguard stability and security in both nations. Turning to Iran's wider regional outlook, Larijani stressed that Tehran's backing for resistance movements is not driven by sectarian affiliation, pointing to its support for both the Sunni movement Hamas and the Shiite movement Hezbollah as evidence of a unified approach. 'The Islamic Republic does not dictate decisions to resistance groups or states,' he added, noting that Tehran offers its perspective openly and provides counsel when invited—without coercion or imposition.


Shafaq News
4 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Israeli airstrikes hit southern and eastern Lebanon
Shafaq News – Beirut Israeli warplanes carried out a wave of strikes on Thursday targeting several locations across southern and eastern Lebanon. Local media reported that the raids hit Barguz, al-Mahmoudiyah, al-Jarmaq, al-Qatrani, and al-Jabbour in the south, most of which have been repeatedly targeted. In a statement, the Israeli army alleged these strikes targeted 'terrorist' infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah, including underground routes, which it described as a breach of understandings between Israel and Lebanon. #عاجل ‼️ جيش الدفاع يهاجم أهدافًا إرهابية تابعة لمنظمة حزب الله الإرهابية في جنوب لبنانهاجمت قوات جيش الدفاع قبل قليل عدة مسارات تحت أرضية تابعة لمنظمة حزب الله الإرهابية في جنوب لبنان.تشكل هذه البنى التحتية التي تم استهدافها خرقًا للتفاهمات بين إسرائيل ولبنان.سيواصل جيش… — افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) August 14, 2025 Simultaneously, Israeli airstrikes hit Zellaya village in the western Beqaa, blocking the main road with debris, while low-flying drones continue to hover over nearby villages. The scale of human or material damage from the attacks remains unknown. Earlier today, two Lebanese citizens were injured in an Israeli drone strike targeting a motorcycle in the southern border town of Aitaroun. Since the truce took effect on November 27, 2024, Lebanese authorities have documented more than 4,200 Israeli violations, leaving over 230 people dead and 480 wounded, including women and children. Israeli forces also remain stationed at five positions in southern Lebanon.