Trump’s Syria Plan Baffles Mideast Leaders as He Suggests Assad Help Control Hezbollah
During recent peace talks, President Donald Trump surprised Middle Eastern leaders by repeatedly suggesting that Syria could help control Hezbollah in Lebanon, sparking confusion and reviving painful memories of past conflicts [186268]. The proposal, which has no clear backing from regional allies, comes as Gulf states express regret over trusting Trump’s earlier promises, with one former top supporter stating, “We got played” [181436].
The idea of relying on Damascus to rein in the Iran-backed militant group has left many in the region puzzled. Trump’s suggestion ignores the deep sectarian and political ties between the Assad government and Hezbollah, which has fought alongside Syrian forces during the country’s long civil war. The Syrian regime, now led by a weakened Bashar al-Assad, has never shown willingness to curb Hezbollah’s influence, and the proposal appears to contradict years of U.S. policy that sought to isolate Syria.
Meanwhile, Gulf leaders who initially hoped Trump would be a strong ally against Iran now feel betrayed. The conflict with Tehran did not go as expected, and many in the region say they were misled about the administration’s commitment to their security [181436]. The disappointment has eroded trust, leaving Gulf nations uncertain about future relations with Washington.
The confusion over Trump’s Syria plan adds to a broader sense of instability in the Middle East, where shifting U.S. policies have often clashed with local realities.