ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said Sunday that US discussions on Lebanon have focused on ending the war and pursuing political solutions, after US President Donald Trump suggested that Syria could take over efforts against Hezbollah instead of Israel.
"The American discussion was about the need to stop the war in Lebanon and find calm paths toward a solution," Sharaa told Dubai-based Al-Mashhad TV in an interview on Sunday.
He added that reports on Trump's comments had been interpreted inaccurately, saying Washington's position centered on ending the conflict and supporting a Syrian role through Lebanese state institutions rather than military intervention.
Sharaa’s initiative comes amid Trump’s remarks that “Israel is fighting Hezbollah too long and too many people are being killed," at the G7 summit in France last week wherein Trump criticized Israel's campaign against Hezbollah for having lasted too long and causing excessive civilian casualties. Seeking to prevent a wider regional conflict amid ongoing fighting involving Israel, Hezbollah and Iran, Trump suggested that Israel allow Syria to deal with Hezbollah instead.
"I suggested to Israel to let Syria take care of Hezbollah," Trump said. "Because to be honest with you, I think they'd do a better job of doing it."
Sharaa said Syria presented a proposal to the United States and other international parties that calls for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and the launch of political, economic and social tracks to address the crisis. He said Syria does not support military action beyond its borders and seeks to promote stability through official channels and dialogue.
Fighting continues despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir told its troops stationed in southern Lebanon Sunday that the truce was "fragile" and that the military remained prepared to resume operations if needed, according to Israeli media. Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz said on his X account Sunday that there would be “no intention of withdrawing from the Beaufort” and no restrictions on Israeli forces operating against threats in Lebanon, with Lebanese state media reporting that Israeli strikes killed at least 20 people on Saturday.
Hezbollah fought alongside former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad during Syria's civil war in 2013, providing crucial military support to preserve arms supply routes from Iran. This involvement came to an end in December 2024 with the collapse of the Assad regime.
Trump also warned of "ultimate consequences" if Iran acquires a nuclear weapon, while calling for efforts to prevent further escalation in the region.
