In Response to Trump’s Proposal, Al-Sharaa Reveals Syria’s Position on Confronting Hezbollah
U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that Syria could play a role in confronting Hezbollah. How did Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa respond?
On Sunday evening, Al-Sharaa denied that Syria intends to intervene militarily in Lebanon, where the war between Israel and Hezbollah continues, following repeated statements by President Trump implying that Damascus could assume a role in the conflict.
In an interview broadcast by Al Mashhad TV, Al-Sharaa stated: “We are seeking economic corridors between Lebanon and Syria, not military ones.”
He added: “Our approach with the United States is based on the necessity of ending the war,” explaining that “different solutions must be pursued, including economic, political, and social measures, as well as restoring relations and reconnecting the economic lifeline between Syria and Lebanon.”
The Syrian president also referred to “certain security measures related to this matter that address Syrian and Lebanese concerns first and foremost, while also taking Israeli concerns into account.”
Al-Sharaa said: “The current situation in Syria provides many tools for exerting a positive influence inside Lebanon, but this also depends primarily on Lebanese consensus.”
He added that “Syria is deeply concerned with Lebanon’s internal situation because Lebanon’s security and stability are inseparable from Syria’s security and stability.”
When asked whether he would be willing to sit at the same table with Hezbollah, Al-Sharaa replied: “If doing so serves Lebanon’s interests and safeguards Syrian interests, then why not?”
The war in Lebanon erupted after Hezbollah launched missiles at Israel in response to the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during the first U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28. Israel subsequently responded with an extensive air campaign and a ground offensive.
The memorandum of understanding signed this week between the United States and Iran to end the broader regional conflict includes Lebanon, where hostilities have ceased since Saturday evening.
Speaking to Fox News on Sunday, Trump said: “I’m frustrated because Israel cannot eliminate Hezbollah,” adding in reference to the fighting against the group: “I’m close to handing the job over to Syria.”
During this week’s G7 summit in France, Trump praised Ahmed Al-Sharaa, saying that he was doing “an amazing job.” He added: “If Israel cannot complete the mission against Hezbollah without killing everyone, then he (Al-Sharaa) will do it. Syria will carry out the mission.”
Hezbollah fought alongside the forces of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during the conflict that began in 2011.
The new Syrian authorities, which overthrew Assad in late 2024, have adopted a cautious stance toward Iranian influence and Hezbollah, which has repeatedly stated that it no longer operates in Syria in the post-Assad era.
Earlier this month, Trump told NBC News: “I want Lebanon to have a better life. I want to see more precise action against Hezbollah.” He added: “We can help them do that, or we can recommend Syria.”
