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July 12, 2026

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Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (L) welcomes France's President Emmanuel Macron for a joint press conference in Damascus on July 7, 2026.

Explainer

How Macron seeks to carve out France's role in new Syria

French President Emmanuel Macron became the first Western leader to visit Syria since the fall of the Assad regime, showcasing Paris' support for Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa while seeking to secure a share of the country's emerging reconstruction market.

US President Donald Trump meets Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (L) on the sidelines of the NATO Summit at Bestepe Presidential Compound in Ankara, on July 8, 2026.

US to drop Syria from terror blacklist

The terrorism label remained a key obstacle to Syria's postwar reconstruction.

Latest News

Explainer

French energy, shipping giants explore Syria deals during Macron visit

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) shakes hands with France's President Emmanuel Macron following a joint press conference in Damascus on July 7, 2026.

Macron's Syria visit eyes to boost France's economic role: What to know

Ludovic MARIN / AFP via Getty Images

Two explosions hit Damascus as Macron visits Syria

Security personnel and first responders prepare to cordon off an area near the Four Seasons Hotel following two blasts nearby in Damascus on July 7, 2026. Syrian authorities said 18 people were wounded by two blasts in central Damascus on July 7 near the hotel where France's president spent the night, with the Elysee Palace saying his visit is ongoing. (Photo by LOUAI BESHARA / AFP via Getty Images)

Amberin Zaman

Chief Correspondent

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Jared Szuba

Defense and Security Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Beatrice Farhat

Associate Editor (Lebanon)

In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict

Danny Makki

In London, reporting on Syrian politics and culture

Ali Hashem

In Doha, reporting on Iran, regional politics, conflict

Cagatay Cebe

In Istanbul, reporting on security and counterterrorism

Iraqi air force targets IS sites in Syria ahead of elections

Despite earlier opposition to any Iraqi military intervention in Syria, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi ordered the air force to strike Islamic State sites in Syria for the second time this year.

Iranian media claim Syrian, not Iranian, rockets struck Golan

Officials in Tehran have not yet responded to allegations that Iran was behind the attack on the Golan, while Iranian media are asserting that it was a Syrian strike.

An Israeli soldier stands on a tank as another jumps off it near the Israeli side of the border with Syria in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, Israel May 9, 2018. REUTERS/Amir Cohen - RC1520FF8190

Congress prioritizes smart bombs for Israel despite US shortages

US lawmakers are scrambling to defend Israel from rising regional threats.

U.S. President Donald Trump signs a proclamation declaring his intention to withdraw from the JCPOA Iran nuclear agreement in the Diplomatic Room at the White House in Washington, U.S., May 8, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RC157E042900

Trump, Netanyahu coordination goes beyond Iran deal

Having coordinated the US repudiation of the Iranian nuclear deal with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump has also offered Netanyahu "full and total" US military and diplomatic support in case of a regional war.

Netanyahu’s Iran revelations spark furor in Israel

Some prominent figures in the Israeli security community believe that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was motivated by politics in revealing the Mossad operation to retrieve Iranian nuclear program materials and view his public acknowledgment as a major mistake.

Palestinians to partner with Damascus on refugee camp reconstruction

Palestinians in Syria are eagerly awaiting the end of hostilities in the Yarmouk refugee camp and its surroundings so the Syrian regime can begin reconstruction in the area.

Israeli Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a news conference at the Ministry of Defence in Tel Aviv, Israel April 30, 2018. REUTERS/ Amir Cohen - RC1245937670

Netanyahu banks on escalation with Iran

The Israeli prime minister expects political windfall from revealing "an open secret" about Iran’s past nuclear program.

Presidents Hassan Rouhani of Iran, Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and Vladimir Putin of Russia hold a joint news conference after their meeting in Ankara, Turkey April 4, 2018. REUTERS/Umit Bektas - RC17DDDED670

Iran, Turkey and Russia hope they’re all on same page

The three guarantors of the Astana peace talks seek to affirm the stability of the talks as well as the trio itself.

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to report, film or take pictures in Tehran.

Members of the Iranian revolutionary guard march during a parade to commemorate the anniversary of the Iran-Iraq war (1980-88), in Tehran September 22, 2011. REUTERS/Stringer (IRAN - Tags: POLITICS MILITARY ANNIVERSARY) - GM1E79M1GMB01

Israel braces for Iranian military reaction

Following attacks in Syria against Iranian targets and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's "atomic archive" speech, Israeli officials are debating how to react to an anticipated response from Tehran.

Iran, Russia, Turkey close ranks on Syria coordination amid US pressure

Moscow and its partners in Tehran and Ankara move to strengthen coordination on Syria as the Trump administration signals an intention to up the stakes.

Will Russia provide the 'new Kissinger' for Iran-Israel diplomacy?

Moscow works back channels between Tehran and Jerusalem; hard-line Saudi stance toward Iran adheres to Wahhabi line favored by conservative clerics.

Russia acting as buffer between Israel, Iran

Moscow is being called on to deliver on its promised role as Mideast mediator.