In a significant field and strategic development that reshapes the map of control and influence in eastern Syria, the Syrian Army officially took control of the vital al-Shaddadi base in the southern Hasakah countryside from US forces. This rapid and pivotal step follows a similar event—the recapture of the al-Tanf area and base—clearly indicating fundamental shifts in the nature of the foreign military presence on Syrian soil and the beginning of a new phase aimed at extending state sovereignty over all of its national territory.

The strategic and geographical importance of Al-Shaddadi

The city of al-Shaddadi and its military base hold paramount strategic importance, no less than that of the al-Tanf base. Located in the heart of al-Hasakah Governorate, it serves as a vital land transportation hub connecting al-Hasakah in the north with Deir ez-Zor in the south, in addition to its relative proximity to the Iraqi border. This area has long been a key staging point for US and international coalition forces due to its commanding geographical position, its commanding view of vast areas of the Syrian desert, and its control over major logistical supply routes that traverse the eastern region.

Economic dimension and energy resources

Economically, this event holds significant and promising implications for the Syrian economy, as the al-Shaddadi region is located near strategic oil and gas fields, most notably the al-Jabsah oil and gas fields. The return of this region to Syrian state control means regaining direct control over vital energy resources that have been outside the central government's control for years. This could effectively contribute to alleviating the economic crisis and providing the energy resources necessary for reconstruction and the operation of power plants that rely on gas extracted from these areas.

Geopolitical and security transformations

On the political and security front, the withdrawal of US forces from al-Shaddadi and its handover to the Syrian army—which followed the al-Tanf move—represents a strong indication of changing regional and international dynamics surrounding the Syrian conflict. Observers and political analysts believe this successive withdrawal may be part of broader international understandings or a strategic repositioning of US forces in the Middle East, while the Syrian side considers it a political and military victory for the state's will to regain control of all its territory without fragmentation.

Future prospects and stability

The presence of the Syrian army at these advanced positions significantly enhances its ability to maintain security and combat remnants of terrorist organizations that were active in the adjacent desert areas, exploiting security vacuums in certain pockets. Furthermore, taking control of the al-Shaddadi base is not merely a change in military control, but a preliminary step towards reactivating state service and administrative institutions in those areas and securing commercial and civilian routes between the eastern provinces and the rest of Syria. This opens the door to new scenarios for the future of the eastern region and strengthens the prospects for lasting stability.

Two informed US officials revealed that the US military is finalizing plans to prepare for a potential sustained military campaign against Iranian targets that could last for several weeks, should President Donald Trump issue a direct order to launch an attack. These rapid developments come at a highly sensitive time, as the rhetoric of military threats intertwines with fragile diplomatic efforts.

According to Reuters, the two officials warned that these military moves and the risks they entail could threaten to derail the ongoing diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran, which aim to defuse the crisis and avoid sliding into an open confrontation.

Diplomatic activity in Geneva and Omani mediation

On the diplomatic front, it was decided that US envoys Steve Wittkopf and Jared Kushner would lead a crucial round of negotiations with the Iranian side on Tuesday in Geneva. The Sultanate of Oman is playing a pivotal role in these talks as a trusted mediator for both sides, a role Muscat has historically played in bridging the gap between the West and Tehran.

American and Iranian diplomats held preliminary talks in Oman last week in a serious attempt to revive the diplomatic track concerning Tehran's nuclear program. These moves come after the Trump administration amassed a large military force in the region, raising widespread international concerns about the possibility of renewed military action that could alter the balance of power in the Middle East.

Massive military reinforcements in the Middle East

In the context of field preparations, US officials confirmed that the Department of Defense (Pentagon) is sending an additional aircraft carrier to the Middle East region. These reinforcements are not limited to naval vessels; they also include the deployment of thousands of additional troops, supported by squadrons of advanced fighter jets and guided-missile destroyers, providing formidable firepower capable of launching precise and wide-ranging attacks, as well as bolstering the defensive capabilities of US forces and their allies in the region.

The context of tension and the importance of strategic deterrence

These developments are of paramount strategic importance given the sensitivity of the Arabian Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy supplies. Historically, the United States has pursued a policy of "maximum pressure," combining economic sanctions with the threat of military force to compel Tehran to the negotiating table. Experts suggest that the deployment of aircraft carriers sends a strong deterrent message, intended to demonstrate the seriousness of the American response to potential threats.

Observers believe that the simultaneous military buildup and diplomatic negotiations reflect a strategy of negotiating under fire, whereby Washington seeks to achieve diplomatic gains through military pressure. However, concerns remain that any miscalculation or unintended clash between naval forces in the Gulf could ignite a wider regional war, something Omani mediation is striving to avoid at all costs.