Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, next Commander of U.S. Central Command:

"Security in Syria will translate into security for the United States. I'm optimistic for the future... stability in Syria hinges upon the current leader (Ahmad al-Sharaa) remaining in place & that's very important for us."

Internal Security Directorate arrested former People's Assembly member Madloul Al-Aziz in Damascus. An ex-regime figure, he was one of the leaders of Al-Qaterji militia which was pro-Assad regime and is accused of committing serious violations during the conflict. He formed militia groups that worked for the Air Force Intelligence, and threatened to cut off a journalist's fingers in a recorded call. He was considered a mediator between Syrian Democratic Forces and the former regime.

The Idlib governor met with a delegation from the Turkish MÜSİAD association and Syrian businesspeople to discuss economic cooperation. The discussions centered on investment opportunities, streamlining legal processes, and incorporating Turkish companies into reconstruction and free zone projects. The region's development was modeled after Malatya's post-earthquake experience.

UNHCR Chief Filippo Grandi stressed the need for a voluntary, gradual, and well-planned return of refugees to Syria, calling for international support to enhance stability. He affirmed the UNHCR’s backing of the Syrian government’s efforts in this regard. Although over half a million refugees have returned to Syria, the destroyed infrastructure continues to hinder broader returns.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani met with Italian chargé d'affaires Stefano Ravagnan in Damascus to discuss reconstruction cooperation. The meeting, along with many others, signals a renewed engagement by Europe with Syria amid shifting regional dynamics.

A recently circulated video shows the extensive damage to Homs, Syria’s third-largest city. Nearly half of the city is in ruins due to bombardment by the Assad regime. According to UN data, over 13,000 buildings were bombed, leaving behind 5.3 million tons of rubble.

President Erdogan on sidelines of NATO summit:

“Increasing social and economic well-being (in Syria) will facilitate the widespread return of Syrian refugees [and] Israel's attacks against Syria also threaten our security.”

Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais met UK envoy Anne Snow to boost Syria-UK cooperation. Wais urged translating support into tangible benefits for citizens, and judicial reform, while Snow reaffirmed UK backing for peace, judicial reform, and economic recovery in Syria.

Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM head nominee, stressed to US Congress, the need to keep US troops in Syria, calling their role key in the fight against ISIS. He backed Syria’s current government as a partner and said any US troop changes must be threat-based and conditions-driven.

Syrian-Turkish Talks to Enhance Partnership and Expand Economic Cooperation

Read article here:https://levant24.com/news/2025/06/syrian-turkish-talks-to-enhance-partnership-and-expand-economic-cooperation/

Erdogan spoke to Trump on the sidelines of NATO summit, saying the SDF should stop delays and integrate into Syria’s army and US support for group should end. He emphasized Turkish-Syrian anti-ISIS cooperation, the need to end Israeli airstrikes and support Syrian sovereignty.