US encourages Syria to take action against Hezbollah, but Damascus remains hesitant: sources

WASHINGTON: The United States has been pushing Syria's new US-allied government, led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, to take action against the Iran-backed Hezbollah, but Damascus has so far shown reluctance to comply with the proposal.

The development reflects an intensification of efforts by Washington to disarm Hezbollah, which has long been backed by Iran and has maintained a significant presence in the region. The US proposal to the al-Sharaa-led government is part of broader moves aimed at curbing the influence of Iran-backed armed groups across the Middle East.

Syria's hesitance amid regional pressures

Despite the encouragement from its American allies, Syria's leadership has been cautious about taking direct action against Hezbollah. The hesitancy on the part of Damascus underscores the complex dynamics at play in the region, where multiple armed factions and geopolitical interests intersect.

The al-Sharaa government, which has aligned itself with Washington, faces the challenge of balancing its relationship with the United States while navigating the volatile security landscape in the region. Taking action against Hezbollah could have far-reaching consequences, given the group's deep-rooted presence and its ties to Iran.

Broader disarmament push

The American push for Syrian involvement in efforts against Hezbollah is part of a wider campaign to weaken Iran's network of proxy forces across the Middle East. Hezbollah, designated as a terrorist organisation by the United States, has been a key component of Iran's regional strategy, and Washington has long sought to diminish its military capabilities and influence.

The proposal to Syria's government marks a new chapter in this effort, as the US looks to enlist regional allies in the campaign to disarm the group. However, the reluctance from Damascus suggests that such an undertaking would not be straightforward and that Syria's leadership is weighing the potential risks and repercussions carefully.

The situation remains fluid, with the outcome of these diplomatic exchanges likely to have significant implications for the balance of power in the region and for the broader US strategy of countering Iranian influence in the Middle East.