Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani has assured Lebanese leaders that Damascus has no intention of intervening militarily in Lebanon, seeking to dispel speculation following recent remarks by US President Donald Trump.
During a visit to Beirut on Thursday, al-Shaibani met Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and conveyed an official invitation from Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa for Aoun to visit Damascus, according to a statement issued by the Lebanese presidency.
Al-Shaibani also held talks with other senior Lebanese officials, including Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and indicated that Syria is open to meeting with Hezbollah representatives.
According to the Lebanese presidency, the Syrian delegation sought to “clarify the confusion” surrounding reports of possible Syrian military involvement in Lebanon.
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The statement said Damascus had reaffirmed that “Syria has no intention of taking such a step.”
The visit was al-Shaibani’s second official trip to Lebanon since assuming office.
Syria has repeatedly stated that it does not seek a military role in Lebanon, despite recent comments by US President Donald Trump suggesting Damascus could play a greater part in addressing the Hezbollah issue.
Last month, Trump told Fox News he was frustrated that Israel had been unable to eliminate Hezbollah and said he was “close to handing it over to Syria.”
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa subsequently rejected suggestions that Syria intended to intervene militarily in Lebanon.
The latest visit appears aimed at reassuring Lebanese officials as diplomatic efforts continue to address the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah and broader regional security challenges.
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