The U.S. considering lifting sanctions on Assad if he severs ties with Iran 

The United States and the United Arab Emirates have discussed the possibility of lifting sanctions imposed on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad if he withdraws his support for Iran and cuts off weapons routes to the Hezbollah terror group in Lebanon, Reuters reported on Monday.

According to the report, the talks have progressed in recent months, ahead of the expiration of the sanctions on December 20, and at the same time, against the backdrop of Israel's struggle against the Hamas and Hezbollah terrorist organizations and the entire Iranian axis.

Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that the rebels' recent advances reflect a weakening of the relationship between Assad and Iran - an opportunity that the United Arab Emirates and the United States are trying to seize. However, they noted that if Assad turns to Iran for assistance in a counterattack, it could thwart efforts to sever the alliance between them.