Russia has signaled renewed efforts to reassert its influence in Syria following the military and political shifts after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, Moscow’s former ally.

Relations between Syria and “Israel” had long been governed by the 1974 Disengagement Agreement signed with Hafez al-Assad’s regime, until Tel Aviv announced on December 8, 2024, that it was no longer in effect.

For the first time since taking office in 2022, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani’s visit to Oman has raised eyebrows, coming just as speculation mounts over possible Israeli Occupation attacks on Iraq and war on Iran.

Since Israeli Occupation attacks prevented Syrian government forces from entering the Druze-majority Sweida province in southern Syria, calls for secession led by Hikmat al-Hijri have intensified.

Another round of consultations is expected to restore relations between Russia and the U.S. to normal, a development that could have implications for foreign affairs in countries where Moscow and Washington continue to influence political and security stability, notably Syria.