Lebanon says Syria pledged non-interference despite Trump’s remarks

BEIRUT, Lebanon (MNTV) – Lebanon has received repeated assurances from Syria that it will not interfere in Lebanese affairs, Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri said, dismissing suggestions that Damascus could play a role in confronting Hezbollah as regional diplomacy continues to evolve.

Mitri’s comments came after US President Donald Trump reportedly suggested that Israel could rely on Syria to help address the Hezbollah issue, following recent diplomatic developments involving Iran and the United States.

According to Mitri, Syrian authorities have made it clear that they do not intend to become involved in Lebanon’s domestic affairs. He said relations between Beirut and Damascus are entering a new phase based on mutual respect, sovereignty, and shared interests.

His remarks echoed statements by Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who recently rejected speculation about any Syrian military role in Lebanon. 

Speaking during a meeting with community leaders, Al-Sharaa described reports of Syrian involvement in Lebanon as unfounded and emphasized that Damascus seeks stability rather than deeper involvement in its neighbor’s internal matters.

The Syrian president also called for an end to hostilities in Lebanon, stronger Lebanese state institutions, and expanded economic cooperation between the two countries. 

He noted that discussions over border demarcation have been postponed and are not currently a priority.

Syrian media also cited a diplomatic source saying Damascus had rejected proposals for a military or security role against Hezbollah in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, despite reports that such proposals were accompanied by political and economic incentives.

Political analyst Walid Choucair said Trump’s remarks appeared aimed at both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iran. 

He argued that the comments signaled Washington’s frustration with Israeli objections to diplomatic efforts and suggested that alternative regional actors could become more influential if negotiations continue to advance.

Trump reportedly praised Al-Sharaa’s leadership while expressing concern over the prolonged conflict involving Hezbollah and Israel. The US president also criticized Israeli military actions in Lebanon that he believed risked undermining broader regional diplomatic efforts.

Analysts say the discussion reflects broader changes in regional power dynamics. Türkiye, Qatar, and Pakistan have recently increased their diplomatic engagement in efforts to reduce tensions and promote negotiated solutions to regional conflicts, highlighting a shift toward mediation and dialogue.

Mohanad Hage Ali of the Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center said any future agreement between Washington and Tehran would likely have implications across the region, including Lebanon. 

However, he argued that Syria would face significant risks if it became directly involved in Lebanon’s security affairs.

He noted that Damascus would have to consider the impact on its international relationships, the possibility of Iranian reactions, and the challenges of operating in areas where Hezbollah maintains a strong presence.

Lebanese and Syrian officials have been working to rebuild relations following decades marked by Syrian political and military influence in Lebanon. 

Syria’s military presence, which began in 1976, ended in 2005 after the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, though Damascus continued to exert influence through regional allies for years afterward.

The fall of the Assad government and shifting regional alliances have opened the door to a different relationship between the two countries, centered on sovereignty and non-interference.

An official Lebanese source said Al-Sharaa has repeatedly stressed that he does not wish to revisit the troubled history of Syrian involvement in Lebanon and sees no benefit in becoming entangled in conflicts involving Lebanese political factions.

Meanwhile, Lebanon continues diplomatic efforts aimed at advancing negotiations with Israel. Lebanese political figures remain divided over whether any future US-Iran understanding could guarantee a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.

Hezbollah has said it believes Iran will continue pressing for an Israeli withdrawal during upcoming negotiations with Washington. 

Another round of Lebanese-Israeli talks is expected to take place in Washington next week, where recent developments are likely to be discussed through separate diplomatic and security channels.