Trump Confirms Hezbollah Talks With Syria's Leader as He Faults Israel Over Civilian Deaths
Updated
Updated · Reuters · Jun 17
Trump Confirms Hezbollah Talks With Syria's Leader as He Faults Israel Over Civilian Deaths
3 articles · Updated · Reuters · Jun 17
Summary
At the G7 in Evian-les-Bains, Donald Trump confirmed he spoke with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa about confronting Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, but declined to say whether Sharaa agreed to act.
Trump tied the outreach to his criticism of Israel's campaign, saying it has fought Hezbollah too long, killed too many civilians and should let Syria handle the group instead.
Sharaa, who took power in 2025, won unusual praise from Trump as someone who has pulled Syria together and is "very good with Hezbollah," despite his past as a former al Qaeda commander.
The idea faces resistance in Damascus: Reuters reported in March that Syria was urged to consider sending forces into eastern Lebanon, and Sharaa said on Saturday reports of Syria entering Lebanon were "completely unfounded."