The United States has expressed serious concern over recent Israeli airstrikes on Syria’s military headquarters. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that the violence is damaging efforts to bring peace and stability to Syria. The strikes come after clashes in Sweida, a southern city with a large Druze population, which Israel cited as the reason for its military action.
Speaking to reporters in Washington, Rubio confirmed that the US is in direct communication with both Syria and Israel. He emphasized that all “relevant sides” are being engaged diplomatically to avoid further escalation. “We’re very concerned,” he repeated, stressing that Washington is working behind the scenes to calm the situation and prevent it from spiraling into broader conflict.
In a formal statement later, Rubio did not mention Israel by name but referred to the unrest in southern Syria. He warned that the violence poses a “direct threat” to the international community’s efforts to rebuild a peaceful and stable Syria. The US sees any increase in conflict as a setback to regional diplomacy and humanitarian progress.
President Donald Trump, a strong backer of Israel in past military operations, is now shifting focus. With Bashar al-Assad removed from power in December 2024, Trump views Syria’s new leadership as an opportunity to restart US diplomacy in the region. His administration hopes to support post-Assad reconstruction and reduce foreign military interventions.
Meanwhile, Israel has tightened its border security near Syria, fearing further Druze-led unrest. The US, walking a fine line, continues to support Israel’s security while urging both countries to de-escalate. With regional peace at stake, Washington is pushing for urgent dialogue and restraint from both Damascus and Tel Aviv.