We’ve been covering the ongoing tensions in Syria, involving clashes among various factions and assaults on the country’s Druze and Christian communities. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking from the Oval Office on Wednesday, expressed cautious optimism that diplomatic efforts regarding Syria might put an end to the conflict there. 

@SecRubio on Syria: “These are historic, long-term rivalries … which have resulted in an unfortunate situation and misunderstanding … We’re moving towards real de-escalation … We hope to see significant progress in the coming hours to put an end to what’s been happening.” pic.twitter.com/2cMcnLdDm7

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 16, 2025

Secretary Rubio, seated next to President Trump, said:

The situation is obviously complex, with these historic, long-standing rivalries between different groups in Syria’s southwest. The tensions involving Bedouins and the Druze community led to an unfortunate misunderstanding, seemingly between the Israeli and Syrian sides. We’ve been actively engaging with both parties continuously, and I believe we’re on the path to genuine de-escalation. We hope to return to helping Syria rebuild and achieve a more stable Middle East. In the coming hours, we anticipate notable progress to resolve what has been unfolding recently.

Secretary Rubio, in his official X account, reiterated:

We have engaged all the parties involved in the clashes in Syria. We have agreed on specific steps that will bring this troubling and horrifying situation to an end tonight. This will require all parties to deliver on the commitments they have made and this is what we fully…

— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) July 16, 2025

The post continues:

This will require all parties to deliver on the commitments they have made and this is what we fully expect them to do.

One of the parties is Israel, as we reported Wednesday morning after the Israel Defense Forces bombed a Syrian military headquarters in response to attacks on the Druze. Israel has repeatedly expressed support for the Druze minority in Syria. There is a significant Druze minority in Israel, as well, with some holding government and military posts.