U.S ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria, Thomas Barrack, has issued a strong warning to Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement, urging it to stay out of the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
Speaking during a visit to Beirut on Thursday, Barrack said any involvement by the Iran-backed Shiite group would be a very bad decision.
Hezbollah has publicly condemned Israel’s strikes on Iran and threats against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
However, in spite of its rhetoric, the group has so far refrained from launching direct military action.
Regional analysts say Hezbollah’s current operational capacity has been weakened following 2024 war with Israel, limiting its ability to engage in a sustained conflict.
With tensions between Israel and Iran reaching new highs, the involvement of powerful proxy groups like Hezbollah could risk igniting a broader war across the Middle East.
Barrack’s visit to Lebanon comes as part of intensified U.S. diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis and prevent its spread into neighbouring countries.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who met with the U.S. envoy, expressed hope for continued U.S. support in reviving Lebanon’s struggling economy.
He also emphasised the need for stability in southern Lebanon, calling for the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the cessation of hostilities.
