Alleged discussions focus on Syria, Lebanon and broader regional stability as diplomatic efforts continue
DAMASCUS: Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa reportedly told United States President Donald Trump that Israel’s continued military presence is preventing stability in Syria and hindering progress toward any future agreement, according to a report published Wednesday by the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar.
According to the report, Sharaa said negotiations had stalled because Israel refused to include a commitment to military withdrawal in any proposed agreement. He reportedly argued that Syria had no reason to sign a deal unless Israel agreed to withdraw from territory under its control.
The report further claimed that Sharaa linked broader regional stability to Israeli withdrawal, maintaining that unresolved territorial disputes continue to complicate diplomatic efforts in the region.
Claims on Lebanon and Hezbollah
Al-Akhbar also reported that Sharaa discussed the situation in Lebanon during his conversation with Trump. According to the newspaper, the Syrian president argued that Hezbollah could not be effectively disarmed while Israeli forces remained in parts of southern Lebanon.
He reportedly warned that any attempt to impose disarmament by force could trigger wider instability and deepen regional tensions. Sharaa allegedly claimed that such instability would undermine ongoing political efforts and complicate prospects for a broader settlement.
The reported remarks have not been independently verified, and neither Washington nor Damascus has officially confirmed the content of the alleged conversation.
Erdogan reportedly echoes concerns
The report also claimed that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan raised similar issues during separate discussions with Trump. Citing unnamed sources, Al-Akhbar said Erdogan argued that Israeli military actions continue to fuel instability across the region and hinder political initiatives aimed at reducing tensions.
According to the newspaper, Erdogan urged that any Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon and Syria should proceed without being linked to Israel’s domestic political calendar. He reportedly stressed that the process should be completed before the end of the year to create conditions for lasting regional stability.
Neither the White House, the Turkish presidency nor Israeli officials have publicly commented on the reported discussions. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts involving regional and international stakeholders continue as governments seek to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation across the Middle East.
