US President Criticises Prolonged Fighting and Civilian Casualties
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Syria could play a larger role in addressing security challenges involving Hezbollah, arguing that prolonged military operations in Lebanon have resulted in excessive civilian casualties.
Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Trump described the Lebanon conflict as a smaller regional issue compared to broader Middle East challenges. He suggested that Syria, working alongside the United States, could contribute to efforts aimed at stabilising the situation if current approaches fail to achieve lasting results.
The US president also expressed concern about the human cost of ongoing military operations, saying that efforts to target militant elements should avoid causing unnecessary harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Trump Praises Syrian Leadership and Regional Cooperation
Furthermore, Trump praised Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, crediting him with rapidly consolidating authority and restoring stability in the country.
According to Trump, Syria’s leadership has responded positively to requests made by Washington and has demonstrated an ability to maintain order under challenging circumstances.
He suggested that regional cooperation could provide alternative pathways for addressing security concerns while reducing the risk of broader escalation.
Comments Highlight Differences Over Lebanon Strategy
Meanwhile, Trump said he continues to maintain a strong relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, although he acknowledged disagreements over certain military actions.
The president specifically referred to a recent Israeli strike, stating that he believed the response was disproportionate to the threat involved. He stressed that military operations should remain measured and carefully calibrated.
Despite those differences, Trump reiterated his support for Israel and emphasised the importance of maintaining close ties between Washington and Jerusalem.
His remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions in Lebanon and encouraging regional actors to pursue political and security solutions that can contribute to long-term stability across the Middle East.
