Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa signaled openness to long-term negotiations with Israel over the Golan Heights on April 17, stating talks remain viable despite Israeli incursions into southern Syria and violations of the 1974 disengagement agreement, while affirming Syria has not fired on Israel since late 2024. US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack noted normalization could precede Lebanon progress, reflecting US-brokered efforts toward a non-aggression pact and joint security mechanisms. However, earlier stalls—due to Israel's last-minute position changes—and ongoing military presence in the buffer zone sustain uncertainty, with Golan sovereignty a core dispute blocking formal diplomatic relations. Traders monitor for diplomatic breakthroughs amid regional volatility.