Syrian President Denies Military Intervention Plans in Lebanon

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has firmly denied that his country intends to intervene militarily in Lebanon, directly addressing recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump had repeatedly suggested that Damascus might become involved in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. In a television interview, al-Sharaa clarified Syria's position, stating, "We are looking for economic channels between Lebanon and Syria, not military ones."

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We are looking for economic channels between Lebanon and Syria, not military ones.

Al-Sharaa's comments came after Trump expressed disappointment with Israel's inability to defeat Hezbollah and suggested Syria could handle the situation. Trump had also mentioned this possibility at the G7 summit. An Iran-U.S. deal aimed at regional conflict resolution, which includes Lebanon, was signed this week, and fighting there had paused since Saturday evening.

During the interview, al-Sharaa emphasized Syria's desire for peace, stating, "we proposed with the United States that the war must stop." He outlined a multi-faceted approach involving economic, political, and social solutions, alongside the re-establishment of relations and vital economic lifelines between Syria and Lebanon. He also mentioned the need for security measures addressing concerns from Syria, Lebanon, and Israel.

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we proposed with the United States that the war must stop.

Syria's relationship with Hezbollah is complex; the group fought alongside the former Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad during the civil war. The new Syrian authorities, who ousted Assad in 2024, are deeply hostile to Hezbollah. Syria historically exerted significant influence over Lebanon, having intervened militarily in its civil war and only withdrawing its forces in 2005. Any new military involvement would be a highly sensitive issue. Al-Sharaa asserted that Syria "offers many tools for having a positive impact within Lebanon," contingent on Lebanon's agreement, and stressed that "Syria is greatly concerned with Lebanon's domestic situation because Lebanon's security and stability are part of Syria's security and stability."

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Syria is greatly concerned with Lebanon's domestic situation because Lebanon's security and stability are part of Syria's security and stability.

Responding to a question about potential dialogue with Hezbollah, al-Sharaa indicated openness, saying, "if this serves Lebanon's interests and safeguards Syria's interests, why not?" Earlier this month, Trump had also suggested to NBC that Syria could assist with a "more surgical attack on Hezbollah," adding that al-Sharaa "would love to help."

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if this serves Lebanon's interests and safeguards Syria's interests, why not?