... and, apparently, "Syria is receptive to U.S. advances"

In McClatchy's, here

"... One Damascus-based political analyst, who spoke on condition of anonymity out of concern for his security, said Washington sees an opportunity to weaken ties between Damascus and Tehran.This analyst also said that the United States has tried to persuade its allies in the region, mainly Saudi Arabia, to reconcile with the
Syrians in order to further isolate Tehran.

There were already signs of divergence between Iran and Syria on some regional issues.But this analyst cautioned that "the price of breaking their alliance with Iran would be very costly" for Syrians."What the U.S. has offered to the Syrians is not enough to take that risk," he said.To sever its ties with Iran, this analyst said, Damascus would insist on the full commitment of the United States to the peace process with the Israelis and eventually the return of the Golan Heights....

Damascus wants Washington to pave the way for a settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on the "land-for peace" principle whereby Israel would relinquish occupied territory in exchange for a peace agreement with Palestinians..."