Syrian President Claims Near 90% Deal With Israel, Recalls Trump Joke

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad revealed in interviews at the UN General Assembly that Syria and Israel were once very close to a political settlement, reaching approximately 90% of a mutual agreement before Israel withdrew, citing various reasons. Assad criticized recent Israeli military actions in Syria, stating that even the presidential palace was bombed twice by Israel, along with repeated attacks on airports. He argued that the events of October 7th should not dictate Israeli policy toward Syria, as these actions create further threats rather than security. "If you want to protect your security, you must respect the security of others," Assad declared, adding that the situation in Gaza, where over 70,000 people have been killed, must be understood.

Regarding relations with the United States, Assad praised former President Donald Trump for lifting sanctions on Syria. He shared a humorous exchange with Trump at the White House concerning the Golan Heights. When Trump stated the Golan Heights belonged to Israel, Assad jokingly asked why Trump didn't give Israelis New Jersey instead, noting that while Trump couldn't give away the Golan, he could give away New Jersey, which is "full of Democrats who won't vote for you anyway." Assad clarified that the Golan belongs to its residents and is recognized by the UN as Syrian territory, and no one has the right to cede it.

On a regional level, Assad disclosed that Syria is advancing a strategic project with Iraq to extend an oil pipeline from Iraqi fields directly to Syrian ports. This initiative aims to secure a safe export route bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. Assad also stated Syria's policy is to remove all foreign military bases from its territory to ensure national unity and territorial independence.