Western diplomatic sources told Syria TV on Wednesday that high-level discussions between US President Donald Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun have focused on proposed security arrangements along the Syrian-Lebanese border, efforts to dismantle Hezbollah’s arsenal, and expanded coordination between Damascus and Beirut.
According to the sources, President Trump, accompanied by the US Secretary of Defense, presented field proposals that would assign a limited security role to Syrian authorities along specific stretches of the frontier. The objective was to curb Hezbollah’s activity and dismantle its arsenal near the border, with particular emphasis on precision missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Aoun Rejects Syrian Military Presence Inside Lebanon
Diplomatic sources confirmed that President Aoun firmly rejected any plan that would grant Syrian forces an operational presence on Lebanese soil. Aoun told President Trump that he already maintains an understanding with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa based on mutual non-interference in domestic affairs.
Aoun stressed that any Syrian deployment inside Lebanon would be politically damaging, offering Hezbollah an opportunity to revive its narrative against foreign intervention and potentially regain domestic sympathy.
Instead, Aoun outlined an alternative strategy aimed at neutralizing Hezbollah by securing a full Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories. Such a move, he argued, would reinforce the legitimacy of the Lebanese Armed Forces and deprive Hezbollah of its stated justification for retaining weapons.
Trump Encourages Damascus Visit and Turkish Involvement
While acknowledging Lebanon’s refusal to host Syrian forces, President Trump encouraged Aoun to visit Damascus to reach broader bilateral understandings with President Al-Sharaa on border security.
Trump also advocated incorporating a Turkish role to support regional stability and strengthen border-management mechanisms designed to curb smuggling and illicit arms flows. Diplomatic sources clarified that the proposed framework centers on joint coordination from each side of the border, without any Syrian deployment inside Lebanon.
Economic Coordination and Energy Projects
Beyond security arrangements, President Trump underscored the importance of expanding Syrian-Lebanese cooperation on economic files, particularly energy and natural gas projects backed by the US administration in partnership with American firms.
Trump noted that border stability and enhanced coordination between Beirut and Damascus are essential prerequisites for securing regional investments and advancing critical infrastructure. Western sources added that Washington’s vision includes gradual economic integration between the two neighboring states alongside reinforced border-control protocols.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
