Trump says he discussed Hezbollah with Syria’s al-Sharaa
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he had discussed the issue of the Lebanese Hezbollah with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, signaling continued U.S. interest in curbing the influence of the Iran-backed group in the region.
Speaking to reporters during the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, Trump confirmed that he had spoken with al-Sharaa about Hezbollah. When asked whether the Syrian leader was prepared to confront the Lebanese armed group, Trump replied that he would address the matter at a later time.
The comments came a day after Trump criticized Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah, accusing it of causing excessive civilian casualties while failing to achieve its objectives.
“I suggested to Israel to let Syria take care of Hezbollah, because to be honest with you, I think they do a better job of doing it,” Trump said.
Trump described Hezbollah as a persistent source of instability in the region, calling it a “little pinprick” compared to the broader confrontation involving Iran.
The U.S. president also praised al-Sharaa’s leadership in Syria following the overthrow of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in 2025.
“He’s done an amazing job of pulling it together. He’s not a Boy Scout, but he’s done an amazing job of pulling it together, and he is very good with Hezbollah. Does not like them,” Trump said.
According to a Reuters report published in March, Washington encouraged Damascus to consider deploying forces to eastern Lebanon as part of efforts to disarm Hezbollah. However, Syrian authorities reportedly showed little enthusiasm for the proposal, fearing involvement in a wider regional conflict and the potential escalation of sectarian tensions in both Syria and Lebanon.
On June13, al-Sharaa rejected speculation that Syrian forces could enter Lebanon, describing reports of such a move as “completely unfounded” in remarks carried by Syrian state media.
Trump’s latest comments also reflect growing differences with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s operations in Lebanon. In recent days, Trump expressed concern that Israeli strikes in Beirut could undermine diplomatic efforts linked to a broader regional settlement involving Iran.
On June 16, Trump said Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah had lasted too long and resulted in excessive civilian deaths.
“You don’t have to knock down an apartment house every time you’re looking for somebody,” he said. “Because there are a lot of people in those apartment houses, and they’re not all Hezbollah.”
Since assuming power in Syria in 2025, al-Sharaa has sought to restore diplomatic relations with regional and international actors while rebuilding a country devastated by more than a decade of conflict. His administration has repeatedly emphasized that Syria does not seek military involvement beyond its borders and is focused on domestic stabilization and reconstruction.