US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that the United States has made direct contact with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebels following their control in Syria after the downfall of the Assad regime. This marks the first acknowledgment of US engagement with the group, which is still classified as a terrorist organization. Blinken discussed issues such as the fate of missing American journalist Austin Tice and emphasized the need for a peaceful transition in Syria that respects minority rights. Meanwhile, Israel continues its airstrikes in the region amidst ongoing concerns from international officials.