Syria rules out Lebanon intervention after Trump suggestion

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Sunday firmly rejected any notion of his country intervening militarily in the ongoing conflict in Lebanon. The statement came after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested Damascus could get involved, expressing frustration with Israel's efforts against Hezbollah.

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The crisis in Lebanon is very serious and there is a deadlock in political solutions. Syria offers a different approach to solving it, but the most important thing is first of all to stop the war.

Trump, speaking to Fox News, voiced disappointment that Israel had not swiftly defeated Hezbollah, criticizing their methods for causing civilian casualties. He even floated the idea of "giving it over to Syria" to handle the fight.

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The solution for Lebanon will not come through war and the bombing of cities. President Trump expressed concern about the current situation in Lebanon, and his words were misunderstood. He spoke about Syria’s role in seeking a safe and peaceful solution, but people understood him as if Syria would enter Lebanon tomorrow morning.

However, Sharaa, who has been focused on rebuilding Syria and seeking international legitimacy, dismissed the possibility of Syrian forces engaging Hezbollah, a former ally of the Assad regime. "The crisis in Lebanon is very serious and there is a deadlock in political solutions," Sharaa told Al Mashhad. "Syria offers a different approach to solving it, but the most important thing is first of all to stop the war."

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We are looking for economic channels between Lebanon and Syria, not military ones. Our vision is based on restoring support for the Lebanese state, strengthening its institutions, and seeking a solution that everyone can believe in.

Sharaa clarified that Trump's remarks were misunderstood, emphasizing Syria's desire for a peaceful resolution and economic cooperation with Lebanon, not military action. "We are looking for economic channels between Lebanon and Syria, not military ones," he stated. "Our vision is based on restoring support for the Lebanese state, strengthening its institutions, and seeking a solution that everyone can believe in."

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I’m disappointed Israel can’t put Hezbollah away. They can’t do anything without knocking buildings down.