Syria gains diplomatic, energy support from Arab states amid regional shifts

Syria is experiencing a significant realignment in its regional relationships, garnering increased support from key Arab states while navigating new tensions and a landmark diplomatic opening with Israel. Recent developments highlight a complex landscape where Damascus is strengthening ties with some neighbors as it contends with alleged external interference.

Diplomatic outreach and alleged subversion

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a phone call with Syrian President Ahmed Shara this week, signaling Riyadh's deepening engagement with Damascus. This follows reports, cited by CNN from Saudi sources, that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been in contact with Druze groups in southern Syria's Suwayda region, discussing potential independence options. Saudi Arabia reportedly views such actions as a threat to Syria's territorial integrity and regional stability, marking a serious rift in Saudi-Emirati relations.

Energy deals and a new Israel channel

Concurrently, Syria is securing tangible economic support. A Syrian oil ministry delegation visited Cairo and signed two memoranda of understanding with Egypt on natural gas and oil supply, along with discussions on strengthening Syria's energy infrastructure. These moves come alongside a major diplomatic development: the establishment of a U.S.-supervised "joint communication mechanism" between Syria and Israel, agreed upon during talks in Paris, aimed at intelligence sharing and military de-escalation.

A recalibrating regional order

For Syria, these parallel tracks—diplomatic support from Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, energy cooperation with Egypt, and a direct channel to Israel—represent a fragile but notable consolidation of its post-conflict position. For regional actors like Türkiye, which advocates for Syria's territorial unity, the emerging dynamic underscores a multipolar competition for influence, where traditional alliances are being tested and new balancing acts are required to navigate the country's volatile path toward stabilization.