BEIRUT — U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified calls for Syria to confront the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement in Lebanon, despite repeated indications from Damascus that it has no intention of launching such an operation, adding a new source of tension to an already volatile region.
Trump has argued that Syria's government under President Ahmad al-Sharaa would be more effective than Israel in countering Hezbollah, after criticizing the length and human cost of Israel's military campaign in Lebanon. Speaking earlier this month on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit, Trump confirmed he had discussed Hezbollah with the Syrian leader but declined to elaborate on the outcome of their talks.
Syrian officials have publicly rejected suggestions that Damascus plans to intervene militarily in Lebanon. Al-Sharaa has said Syria is focused on rebuilding after years of conflict and seeks regional stability rather than opening a new front, while asserting that some interpretations of Trump's remarks had misconstrued Syria's position.
The proposal has prompted concern in Lebanon, where memories remain of Syria's past military presence, and in Israel, whose officials continue to view Syria's Islamist-led government with caution. Regional analysts have warned that any Syrian military involvement against Hezbollah could further complicate an already fragile security environment, though no such intervention has been announced.
There has been no indication from either Washington or Damascus that a formal agreement exists for Syria to take military action against Hezbollah. The situation remains fluid as regional tensions continue and officials have not announced any change in Syria's stated policy.
