Syria’s Sharaa denies plans to intervene in Lebanon after Trump links Syria to Hezbollah

Trump To Delist Syria From Terror Designation, Boasts Of Putting 'Fantastic' Sharaa In Power Via Middle East Eye US President Donald Trump lavished rare praise on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Wednesday, calling him "fantastic" and "highly respected", as the two leaders met on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.  The meeting itself is a win for Sharaa, who was first introduced to Trump a little over a year ago in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, before finding himself in the Oval Office exchanging gifts with the US president by November. No Syrian leader - and certainly not one with Sharaa's past as a US-designated terrorist - had been in the White House in decades.  via Reuters Wednesday's opportunity arose because the Turks have been at the helm of Sharaa's rise to power since December 2024, as they are keen on a neighboring Syria that falls within their sphere of influence.  Trump's swift embrace of Sharaa has been one of the standout foreign policy moves of the past year. "He's done a really fantastic job as president. He's unified the country in a very short period of time. I'd say like a year and a half, about a year and a half, and right from the beginning it was a real mess, very disjointed place, and he's brought it together," Trump told reporters as he sat next to Sharaa. "He's a strong person. He's a great leader. He's respected by everybody, including me, and we're proud to have him," he added. The sentiments are in stark contrast to how Trump has spoken about Washington's traditional allies, most of whom form the very defensive alliance that this summit is about. He has repeatedly berated the leaders of the UK, France, Germany, and Spain as being weak on defence and immigration, attacked Denmark for asserting its sovereignty over Greenland, and is currently in an open feud with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.  Since March, Trump has ramped up his rhetoric against those countries not joining his war on Iran. Removing terror designation Fourteen months ago, Sharaa, who previously had a $10m bounty on his head in the US, saw Trump announce the historic lifting of economic sanctions on Syria. The move was largely orchestrated by the Saudis, with much of the funding to rebuild Syria in a new image coming from Gulf nations.  What remains now is to get Syria off the US State Sponsors of Terrorism (SST) list and allow for investment in the country, which is the key agenda item for Sharaa. "Any problems with that?" Trump said, as he turned to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "I think we should. Yeah," the president added. "We're proud of the job he's doing. Syria has become very stable." Trump Again Says Syria Could Help Israel Fight Hezbollah In Lebanon This time he repeats the line in front of the new Syrian regime’s leader Ahmed al-Shara’a, who Trump brags about putting in power. pic.twitter.com/eckoW1KorA — MintPress News (@MintPressNews) July 8, 2026 Trump was asked by a reporter about his highly contentious suggestion last month of having Syria take on the role of disarming Hezbollah in Lebanon. "They could help. We'll find out. I think we're making a lot of progress," he said. Sharaa had previously indicated this was not a feasible option, but his foreign minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, visited Lebanon last week and met with parliament speaker Nabih Berri, the leader of the Amal Movement and Hezbollah's closest political ally. A senior Lebanese official who met Shaibani during the visit told Middle East Eye that the trip was coordinated with the Lebanese side to send a clear message about Syria's intentions. Not if you were paying attention. pic.twitter.com/3z3q62Rr7s — mark F (@mark_F3141) July 8, 2026 "The visit was very much needed to reassure Lebanon and ease concerns about the possibility of a military intervention pushed by the United States," the official said. Tyler Durden Thu, 07/09/2026 - 03:30

Trump lavishes praise on 'fantastic' and 'highly respected' Sharaa Submitted by Yasmine El-Sabawi on Wed, 07/08/2026 - 16:01 The win for the Syrian president is simply having the meeting at all US President Donald Trump holds a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the Nato summit at the Bestepe Presidential Compound in Ankara, Turkey, on 8 July 2026 (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) Off US President Donald Trump lavished rare praise on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Wednesday, calling him "fantastic" and "highly respected", as the two leaders met on the sidelines of the Nato summit in Ankara, Turkey.  The meeting itself is a win for Sharaa, who was first introduced to Trump a little over a year ago in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, before finding himself in the Oval Office exchanging gifts with the US president by November.  No Syrian leader - and certainly not one with Sharaa's past as a US-designated terrorist - had been in the White House in decades.  Wednesday's opportunity arose because the Turks have been at the helm of Sharaa's rise to power since December 2024, as they are keen on a neighbouring Syria that falls within their sphere of influence.  Trump's swift embrace of Sharaa has been one of the standout foreign policy moves of the past year. "He's done a really fantastic job as president. He's unified the country in a very short period of time. I'd say like a year and a half, about a year and a half, and right from the beginning it was a real mess, very disjointed place, and he's brought it together," Trump told reporters as he sat next to Sharaa. "He's a strong person. He's a great leader. He's respected by everybody, including me, and we're proud to have him," he added. The sentiments are in stark contrast to how Trump has spoken about Washington's traditional allies, most of whom form the very defensive alliance that this summit is about. He has repeatedly berated the leaders of the UK, France, Germany, and Spain as being weak on defence and immigration, attacked Denmark for asserting its sovereignty over Greenland, and is currently in an open feud with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.  Since March, Trump has ramped up his rhetoric against those countries not joining his war on Iran. Removing terror designation Fourteen months ago, Sharaa, who previously had a $10m bounty on his head in the US, saw Trump announce the historic lifting of economic sanctions on Syria.  What to expect from Trump's meetings with Erdogan and Sharaa in Ankara Read More » The move was largely orchestrated by the Saudis, with much of the funding to rebuild Syria in a new image coming from Gulf nations.  What remains now is to get Syria off the US State Sponsors of Terrorism (SST) list and allow for investment in the country, which is the key agenda item for Sharaa. "Any problems with that?" Trump said, as he turned to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "I think we should. Yeah," the president added. "We're proud of the job he's doing. Syria has become very stable." Trump was asked by a reporter about his highly contentious suggestion last month of having Syria take on the role of disarming Hezbollah in Lebanon. "They could help. We'll find out. I think we're making a lot of progress," he said. Sharaa had previously indicated this was not a feasible option, but his foreign minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, visited Lebanon last week and met with parliament speaker Nabih Berri, the leader of the Amal Movement and Hezbollah's closest political ally. A senior Lebanese official who met Shaibani during the visit told Middle East Eye that the trip was coordinated with the Lebanese side to send a clear message about Syria's intentions. "The visit was very much needed to reassure Lebanon and ease concerns about the possibility of a military intervention pushed by the United States," the official said. Syria after Assad Washington News Post Date Override 0 Update Date Mon, 05/04/2020 - 21:19 Update Date Override 0

Trump says he may remove Syria from state sponsors of terrorism list "I think I will," the US president said when asked whether he would remove Syria from the United States' list of designated state sponsors of terrorism. Trump also says he has lifted sanctions placed on Syria and commended Damascus for becoming stable, Al Jazeera reported. The US president also again suggested Syria “could help with Hezbollah” in Lebanon. Last month, Trump told reporters on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France that he wanted Syria to invade Lebanon to fight Hezbollah. "Israel's fighting Hezbollah too long and too many people are being killed...I suggested to Israel to let Syria take care of Hezbollah," Trump said.  US President Donald Trump meets Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (L) on the sidelines of the Nato Summit in Ankara, on 8 July 2026. (AFP)

Syrian foreign minister's visit opens cautious channel to Hezbollah amid US pressure Submitted by Adam Chamseddine on Fri, 07/03/2026 - 13:40 Asaad al-Shaibani's meeting with Hezbollah ally Nabih Berri signals that Damascus favours dialogue and border coordination over military intervention in Lebanon Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri meets with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in Beirut on 2 July 2026 (Mohamed Azakir/Reuters) Off Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani's second official visit to Lebanon carried a significance that went well beyond the formal meetings on his schedule. Unlike his first trip to Beirut following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, this visit included a meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, the leader of the Amal Movement and Hezbollah's closest political ally. The meeting came after a series of controversial statements by US President Donald Trump suggesting that Syria could be asked to "take care of" Hezbollah, and amid growing pressure on Damascus to assume a role in confronting the Lebanese group. For Beirut, the visit offered additional reassurance that Syria's new administration did not intend to respond to that pressure by intervening militarily in Lebanon. For Damascus, it provided an opportunity to explain the extent of the pressure it faces, while signalling that Hezbollah could help prevent further escalation by addressing tensions along the Lebanese-Syrian border. A senior Lebanese official who met Shaibani during the visit told Middle East Eye that the trip had been coordinated with the Lebanese side to send a clearer message about Syria's intentions. "The visit was very much needed to reassure Lebanon and ease concerns about the possibility of a military intervention pushed by the United States," the official said. "[Syrian] President Ahmed al-Sharaa's reassuring message during his television interview was a positive sign, but the foreign minister's visit sent a stronger message that the new Syrian administration poses no threat to the Lebanese state or its sovereignty." Berri brought into the dialogue Shaibani's meeting with Berri marked a notable departure from his previous visit, when the speaker was not included in the official programme. Berri has long maintained close ties with Damascus, including during the rule of Assad. Although he opposed Hezbollah's military intervention in the Syrian war, his position as the leader of Lebanon's principal Shia political movement and Hezbollah's most important domestic ally makes him a natural intermediary between the group and Syria's new leadership. 'If the national interest requires meeting with Hezbollah, we are open to doing so' - Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani It was therefore significant that Shaibani chose Berri's headquarters to make one of his clearest public statements concerning Hezbollah. Asked about Syria's position towards the group, the Syrian foreign minister said: "If the national interest requires meeting with Hezbollah, we are open to doing so." The statement followed similar remarks by Sharaa, who said Syria was prepared to communicate with all Lebanese parties, including Hezbollah, if dialogue served the interests of both countries. The public signals from Damascus have been accompanied by a gradual softening in Hezbollah's own language towards Syria's new authorities. Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem has repeatedly called for opening a new page in relations with Damascus. Senior Hezbollah official Nawaf Moussawi has also publicly referred to the Syrian president as "Brother Ahmed al-Sharaa", a striking shift from the group's earlier treatment of the man previously known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the nom de guerre he used while leading his al-Qaeda offshoot, Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham.  A senior Hezbollah official told MEE that the situation had now matured to the point where there was no longer a reason to delay direct contact. "What is needed now is the initiative," the official said. "There is an opportunity for the relationship to be strengthened and organised." The official suggested that Turkey, which maintains a close relationship with the Syrian administration, could play a role in arranging an initial meeting. Pressure from Washington The visit took place against the backdrop of increasingly explicit comments by Trump about a possible Syrian role against Hezbollah. The US president first raised the idea in an NBC Meet the Press interview recorded on 5 June and broadcast two days later. Calling for a more "surgical" approach against Hezbollah, Trump said Washington could assist or "recommend Syria". 'They're not all Hezbollah': Trump criticises Israel killing civilians in Lebanon Read More » "We can help them with that, or we can recommend Syria," Trump said, praising Sharaa and claiming that the Syrian president "would love to help". His wording remained vague and did not specify whether he envisaged a Syrian military intervention, diplomatic involvement or pressure on Hezbollah through the border. But Trump became more direct during the G7 summit in France on 16 June. "I suggested to Israel to let Syria take care of Hezbollah, because, to be honest with you, I think they do a better job of doing it," he told reporters. Trump criticised Israel's conduct of the war on Lebanon, saying it had taken too long to defeat Hezbollah while causing extensive civilian casualties and destroying residential buildings. The following day, Trump confirmed that he had personally discussed Hezbollah with Sharaa, although he declined to say whether the Syrian president had agreed to take action. The repeated remarks heightened concerns in Lebanon that Washington was trying to draw Syria into the conflict and open a new front against Hezbollah from the east or northeast. What Shaibani told Berri Middle East Eye understands that these concerns were discussed in detail during a private, 45-minute meeting between Shaibani and Berri. According to a source briefed on the meeting, the Syrian foreign minister told the speaker that Damascus was facing intense American pressure to intervene militarily against Hezbollah along the northeastern frontier. Shaibani expressed frustration that Hezbollah was not doing enough to help Damascus resist that pressure, the source said. 'The Syrian administration does not want Sunni-Shia tensions to escalate, because the region cannot bear more bloodshed' - Source quoting Shaibani  In particular, he raised the presence of Hezbollah positions in disputed border areas that remain outside the effective control of the Syrian state. According to the source, Shaibani told Berri that transferring control of these positions to the Lebanese army would help reduce tensions and deprive advocates of military action of one of their main arguments. He suggested that Berri could initially act as an indirect mediator between the two sides. "The Syrian administration does not want Sunni-Shia tensions to escalate, because the region cannot bear more bloodshed," the source quoted Shaibani as saying. "If you lose, we lose with you. We do not want that, and this is not poetry." The remarks indicated that Damascus views the potential consequences of a confrontation with Hezbollah as extending far beyond the Lebanese border. Despite the history of hostility between Syria's new rulers and the Lebanese group, Syrian officials appear concerned that a military campaign could deepen sectarian divisions inside Syria, destabilise border regions and draw Damascus into a conflict it cannot control. Reassurance, but also a request Sharaa had previously attempted to calm the controversy during an interview with Al Mashhad television on 21 June. He said Trump's remarks had been misinterpreted as suggesting that the Syrian army would enter Lebanon "tomorrow morning". According to Sharaa, discussions with Washington had focused on how Syria could contribute to a safe and peaceful solution rather than an invasion of Lebanon. "Our vision is based on supporting the Lebanese state once again, strengthening its institutions and seeking a solution that everyone believes in," he said. "We are looking for economic channels between Lebanon and Syria, not military ones." Lebanon’s Israel framework deal draws broad opposition but little appetite for confrontation Read More » Sharaa also said Damascus was prepared to meet with Hezbollah, despite what he described as the "deep Syrian wound" left by the group's role in supporting Assad during the civil war. Shaibani's visit reinforced that reassurance, but it also carried a request. Damascus wants Hezbollah and the Lebanese state to take steps along the border that would help Syria withstand American pressure and demonstrate that contentious areas can be brought under recognised state control without Syrian military action. Berri's inclusion in the visit was therefore not ceremonial. As Hezbollah's closest ally and the Lebanese official most capable of maintaining communication with both the group and regional governments, he could become the principal channel through which Syria and Hezbollah cautiously redefine their relationship. The visit did not produce a formal meeting between Syrian officials and the group. But it suggested that both sides are moving away from complete estrangement and towards a controlled dialogue shaped by immediate security concerns. For Damascus, that dialogue may offer the best way to avoid being forced into a military role it does not want. For Hezbollah, it could provide a channel to prevent Syria's eastern border from becoming a new front in the growing regional campaign against the group. Syria after Assad Beirut News Post Date Override 0 Update Date Mon, 05/04/2020 - 21:19 Update Date Override 0

Syrian foreign minister's visit to Lebanon opens cautious channel to Hezbollah Submitted by Adam Chamseddine on Fri, 07/03/2026 - 13:40 Asaad al-Shaibani's meeting with Hezbollah ally Nabih Berri signals that Damascus favours dialogue and border coordination over military intervention in Lebanon Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri meets with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in Beirut on 2 July 2026 (Mohamed Azakir/Reuters) Off Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani's second official visit to Lebanon carried a significance that went well beyond the formal meetings on his schedule. Unlike his first trip to Beirut following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, this visit included a meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, the leader of the Amal Movement and Hezbollah's closest political ally. The meeting came after a series of controversial statements by US President Donald Trump suggesting that Syria could be asked to "take care of" Hezbollah, and amid growing pressure on Damascus to assume a role in confronting the Lebanese group. For Beirut, the visit offered additional reassurance that Syria's new administration did not intend to respond to that pressure by intervening militarily in Lebanon. For Damascus, it provided an opportunity to explain the extent of the pressure it faces, while signalling that Hezbollah could help prevent further escalation by addressing tensions along the Lebanese-Syrian border. A senior Lebanese official who met Shaibani during the visit told Middle East Eye that the trip had been coordinated with the Lebanese side to send a clearer message about Syria's intentions. "The visit was very much needed to reassure Lebanon and ease concerns about the possibility of a military intervention pushed by the United States," the official said. "[Syrian] President Ahmed al-Sharaa's reassuring message during his television interview was a positive sign, but the foreign minister's visit sent a stronger message that the new Syrian administration poses no threat to the Lebanese state or its sovereignty." Berri brought into the dialogue Shaibani's meeting with Berri marked a notable departure from his previous visit, when the speaker was not included in the official programme. Berri has long maintained close ties with Damascus, including during the rule of Assad. Although he opposed Hezbollah's military intervention in the Syrian war, his position as the leader of Lebanon's principal Shia political movement and Hezbollah's most important domestic ally makes him a natural intermediary between the group and Syria's new leadership. 'If the national interest requires meeting with Hezbollah, we are open to doing so' - Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani It was therefore significant that Shaibani chose Berri's headquarters to make one of his clearest public statements concerning Hezbollah. Asked about Syria's position towards the group, the Syrian foreign minister said: "If the national interest requires meeting with Hezbollah, we are open to doing so." The statement followed similar remarks by Sharaa, who said Syria was prepared to communicate with all Lebanese parties, including Hezbollah, if dialogue served the interests of both countries. The public signals from Damascus have been accompanied by a gradual softening in Hezbollah's own language towards Syria's new authorities. Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem has repeatedly called for opening a new page in relations with Damascus. Senior Hezbollah official Nawaf Moussawi has also publicly referred to the Syrian president as "Brother Ahmed al-Sharaa", a striking shift from the group's earlier treatment of the man previously known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the nom de guerre he used while leading his al-Qaeda offshoot, Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham.  A senior Hezbollah official told MEE that the situation had now matured to the point where there was no longer a reason to delay direct contact. "What is needed now is the initiative," the official said. "There is an opportunity for the relationship to be strengthened and organised." The official suggested that Turkey, which maintains a close relationship with the Syrian administration, could play a role in arranging an initial meeting. Pressure from Washington The visit took place against the backdrop of increasingly explicit comments by Trump about a possible Syrian role against Hezbollah. The US president first raised the idea in an NBC Meet the Press interview recorded on 5 June and broadcast two days later. Calling for a more "surgical" approach against Hezbollah, Trump said Washington could assist or "recommend Syria". 'They're not all Hezbollah': Trump criticises Israel killing civilians in Lebanon Read More » "We can help them with that, or we can recommend Syria," Trump said, praising Sharaa and claiming that the Syrian president "would love to help". His wording remained vague and did not specify whether he envisaged a Syrian military intervention, diplomatic involvement or pressure on Hezbollah through the border. But Trump became more direct during the G7 summit in France on 16 June. "I suggested to Israel to let Syria take care of Hezbollah, because, to be honest with you, I think they do a better job of doing it," he told reporters. Trump criticised Israel's conduct of the war on Lebanon, saying it had taken too long to defeat Hezbollah while causing extensive civilian casualties and destroying residential buildings. The following day, Trump confirmed that he had personally discussed Hezbollah with Sharaa, although he declined to say whether the Syrian president had agreed to take action. The repeated remarks heightened concerns in Lebanon that Washington was trying to draw Syria into the conflict and open a new front against Hezbollah from the east or northeast. What Shaibani told Berri Middle East Eye understands that these concerns were discussed in detail during a private, 45-minute meeting between Shaibani and Berri. According to a source briefed on the meeting, the Syrian foreign minister told the speaker that Damascus was facing intense American pressure to intervene militarily against Hezbollah along the northeastern frontier. Shaibani expressed frustration that Hezbollah was not doing enough to help Damascus resist that pressure, the source said. 'The Syrian administration does not want Sunni-Shia tensions to escalate, because the region cannot bear more bloodshed' - Source quoting Shaibani  In particular, he raised the presence of Hezbollah positions in disputed border areas that remain outside the effective control of the Syrian state. According to the source, Shaibani told Berri that transferring control of these positions to the Lebanese army would help reduce tensions and deprive advocates of military action of one of their main arguments. He suggested that Berri could initially act as an indirect mediator between the two sides. "The Syrian administration does not want Sunni-Shia tensions to escalate, because the region cannot bear more bloodshed," the source quoted Shaibani as saying. "If you lose, we lose with you. We do not want that, and this is not poetry." The remarks indicated that Damascus views the potential consequences of a confrontation with Hezbollah as extending far beyond the Lebanese border. Despite the history of hostility between Syria's new rulers and the Lebanese group, Syrian officials appear concerned that a military campaign could deepen sectarian divisions inside Syria, destabilise border regions and draw Damascus into a conflict it cannot control. Reassurance, but also a request Sharaa had previously attempted to calm the controversy during an interview with Al Mashhad television on 21 June. He said Trump's remarks had been misinterpreted as suggesting that the Syrian army would enter Lebanon "tomorrow morning". According to Sharaa, discussions with Washington had focused on how Syria could contribute to a safe and peaceful solution rather than an invasion of Lebanon. "Our vision is based on supporting the Lebanese state once again, strengthening its institutions and seeking a solution that everyone believes in," he said. "We are looking for economic channels between Lebanon and Syria, not military ones." Lebanon’s Israel framework deal draws broad opposition but little appetite for confrontation Read More » Sharaa also said Damascus was prepared to meet with Hezbollah, despite what he described as the "deep Syrian wound" left by the group's role in supporting Assad during the civil war. Shaibani's visit reinforced that reassurance, but it also carried a request. Damascus wants Hezbollah and the Lebanese state to take steps along the border that would help Syria withstand American pressure and demonstrate that contentious areas can be brought under recognised state control without Syrian military action. Berri's inclusion in the visit was therefore not ceremonial. As Hezbollah's closest ally and the Lebanese official most capable of maintaining communication with both the group and regional governments, he could become the principal channel through which Syria and Hezbollah cautiously redefine their relationship. The visit did not produce a formal meeting between Syrian officials and the group. But it suggested that both sides are moving away from complete estrangement and towards a controlled dialogue shaped by immediate security concerns. For Damascus, that dialogue may offer the best way to avoid being forced into a military role it does not want. For Hezbollah, it could provide a channel to prevent Syria's eastern border from becoming a new front in the growing regional campaign against the group. Syria after Assad Beirut News Post Date Override 0 Update Date Mon, 05/04/2020 - 21:19 Update Date Override 0

Damascus races to reassure Beirut as Trump pushes Syria to take on Hezbollah US President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested handing responsibility for dealing with Hezbollah to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, reviving fears in Lebanon of renewed Syrian military involvement despite denials from Damascus. Trump’s increasingly explicit statements have also appeared to contradict an earlier denial by US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack, who dismissed reports that Washington had pressured Damascus to send forces into Lebanon as “false and inaccurate”. The latest remarks came on 21 June, when Trump told Fox News that he was disappointed by Israel’s failure to defeat Hezbollah without causing widespread destruction. “They can’t do anything without knocking buildings down,” Trump said. “I’m close to giving it over to Syria.” Trump did not explain what he meant by "giving it over", leaving it unclear whether he was referring to a Syrian military operation, political mediation, pressure on Hezbollah, tighter border controls or cooperation with the Lebanese state. But his comments were the latest in a series of public statements indicating that Washington has considered assigning Damascus a role in dealing with the Lebanese group. His remarks reinforced the impression that Washington sees Damascus as a potential partner in efforts to curb Hezbollah's influence in Lebanon. Read more: Damascus races to reassure Beirut as Trump pushes Syria to take on Hezbollah US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House in Washington on 10 November 2025 (AFP/Sana)