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While discussing the future of Hezbollah recently, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that Syria could play a role in facilitating “more surgical” strikes against the group in Lebanon. Trump did not spell out what such a Syrian mission might entail. His hope, it appears, is to secure Damascus’s support in defeating one of Iran’s most important proxies.

Back in March, the United States had discussed the possibility of a Syrian incursion into eastern Lebanon. At the time, Damascus reportedly resisted the proposal. President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government was wary of being drawn into a new regional confrontation and concerned that any direct involvement against Hezbollah might spark political and sectarian tensions in Syria.

While discussing the future of Hezbollah recently, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that Syria could play a role in facilitating “more surgical” strikes against the group in Lebanon. Trump did not spell out what such a Syrian mission might entail. His hope, it appears, is to secure Damascus’s support in defeating one of Iran’s most important proxies.

Back in March, the United States had discussed the possibility of a Syrian incursion into eastern Lebanon. At the time, Damascus reportedly resisted the proposal. President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government was wary of being drawn into a new regional confrontation and concerned that any direct involvement against Hezbollah might spark political and sectarian tensions in Syria.

Still, the idea has an obvious appeal for Damascus. Syrian commentators quickly framed Trump’s latest remarks as evidence that Washington “wants a larger Syrian role in Lebanon.” Indeed Syria’s new rulers have incentives to curb Hezbollah: The group backed the former Assad regime, relied on Syrian territory for weapons transfers, and has offered protection for Assad-era officials in Lebanon. In this light, Syrian officials have expressed frustration that Lebanon has not done more to halt the group’s activities. What’s more, a tougher line against........

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