Syrian president rejects military role in Lebanon after Trump's remarks

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Damascus: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has denied that Damascus intended to get involved militarily in neighbouring Lebanon, contradicting claims by US President Donald Trump that Syria could take up efforts against Hezbollah.

In a television interview, Sharaa stated that Syria prefers strengthen economic connections with Lebanon over military involvement, emphasising that Damascus has no intention of entering the conflict. He continued to say that Syria wants to contribute to Lebanon's stability through cooperation, but that any role Syria plays will be determined by the Lebanese government.

At the G7 conference, Trump had earlier hinted that Syria could ‘do the job’ if Israel was unable to destroy Hezbollah without suffering significant civilian losses. He had lately voiced frustration with Israel's fight against Hezbollah, saying he was ‘close to giving it over to Syria.’

Given Syria's long and contentious military presence in Lebanon from 1976 to 2005, Sharaa's remarks raise political concerns in both nations.

The comments also come after Iran and the United States recently announced a deal to reduce tensions in the region; violence in Lebanon has stopped under a ceasefire, but there is still uncertainty about the overall security situation.