Syrian Government and Hezbollah Held Secret Talks in Turkey to Ease Tensions

In Turkey last month, representatives of the Syrian government and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah held secret talks, their first known meeting, to ease tensions. Syria assured Hezbollah it would not intervene militarily in Lebanon, while asking the group to stop arms smuggling and dismantle sleeper cells in southern Syria. Hezbollah pledged not to interfere in Syria's affairs but gave no direct answer on the requests. No final agreement was reached. Turkey, a key ally of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, hosted the talks. Iran was informed but disappointed not to participate directly.