Syrian FM’s Lebanon Visit Signals Cautious Outreach to Hezbollah Amid US Pressure
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani’s second official visit to Lebanon marked an important step in relations between Damascus and Beirut, extending beyond routine diplomatic meetings.
A key moment of the visit was Shaibani’s meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, leader of the Amal Movement and a close political ally of Hezbollah. The meeting signaled a cautious opening of communication with Hezbollah’s political camp.
The visit came as US President Donald Trump suggested Syria could be expected to "take care of" Hezbollah, increasing pressure on Damascus to play a role in confronting the Lebanese group.
Instead, Syrian officials used the visit to reassure Lebanese leaders that the new Syrian administration has no intention of intervening militarily in Lebanon or escalating tensions. The meetings reflected Damascus’ effort to balance regional diplomacy while maintaining stability along the shared border.
