US seeks ease in Israel-Syria tensions: Marco Rubio calls conflict 'misunderstanding'; confirms talks with both sides

US secretary of state Marco Rubio on Wednesday said he expected tensions between Israel and Syria to ease soon, following an Israeli air strike on Syria’s army headquarters in Damascus.

Rubio described the escalation as a “misunderstanding” and told reporters, “We think we're on our way towards a real de-escalation. In the next few hours, we hope to see some real progress.”

The statement came amid growing international concern over fresh violence in southern Syria, including Israeli strikes and local clashes in the majority-Druze city of Sweida. Israel has cited threats to Druze communities as the reason for its intervention.

Rubio said the ongoing conflict was hurting efforts to bring stability to Syria. “We are very worried about the violence in southern Syria. It is a direct threat to efforts to help build a peaceful and stable Syria,” he said in a separate statement. Rubio also confirmed that US was in “repeated and constant talks” with both the Syrian and Israeli governments.

Earlier, the US special envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, urged all parties to de-escalate and return to talks. Referring to the recent clashes and strikes, he wrote on X, “We unequivocally condemn violence against civilians in Sweida… All parties must step back and engage in meaningful dialogue that leads to a lasting ceasefire.” He added that those responsible for violence should be held accountable.

Israeli fighter jets targeted key Syrian military sites in Damascus on Wednesday, including the General Staff Compound, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed in a statement.