Syrian Leader Rejects Trump’s Call for Escalation Against Hezbollah
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the leader of the self-declared Syrian regime, stated that U.S. President Donald Trump discussed solutions other than war and confrontation with Hezbollah during a phone call. Al-Jolani sought to interpret Trump’s remarks as an expression of dissatisfaction with developments in Lebanon and a discussion about Syria’s potential role in finding a peaceful resolution, denying any intention of Syrian military intervention.
Al-Jolani emphasized his reluctance for Syria to engage in negative intervention in Lebanon, stating, “We are seeking economic solutions, not military ones.” He reiterated that Syria would not be involved in Lebanon and informed Trump that alternative strategies to war and confrontation with Hezbollah exist. He suggested Syria could support a positive resolution by strengthening aid to the Lebanese government, reinforcing official institutions, and fostering connections among Lebanese factions, including Hezbollah, to prevent minor issues from escalating.
Addressing Hezbollah’s position, al-Jolani noted that the group needs to find its place, acknowledging that some countries interested in Lebanon associate Hezbollah with Iran’s agenda. He controversially claimed that Hezbollah does not represent Shiites in Lebanon and argued against the existence of groups outside government control. Al-Jolani expressed concern for the Shiite population in Lebanon and indicated Syria’s readiness for dialogue with Hezbollah.
Regarding the broader regional conflict, al-Jolani described the Iran-U.S. war as futile, stating that neither country benefits from its continuation and that Israel is an extension of the United States. He affirmed Syria’s desire for regional de-escalation and highlighted Syria’s strategic focus on economic development, asserting that the country is on a positive trajectory despite ongoing recovery efforts.
The remarks follow President Trump’s recent announcement that responsibility for the Hezbollah file might be transferred to Syria. This development comes amid significant challenges faced by the Israeli military, which has made limited territorial gains in southern Lebanon despite advanced technology and prolonged engagements against Hezbollah.
The current Syrian army, under rebel control, is reportedly depleted of heavy equipment following extensive Israeli bombardments after the fall of the Bashar al-Assad government.
