Syria rules out military intervention in Lebanon despite US pressure

In this photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, right, meets with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, 2 July 2026. © Lebanese Presidency press office via AP

Syria has ruled out military intervention in Lebanon despite US pressure to act against Hezbollah, saying it seeks to avoid escalation and focus on rebuilding ties with Beirut.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani told Lebanon's president on Thursday that Damascus had no intention of intervening militarily in his country despite US pressure to do so, according to the Lebanese presidency.