Syrian presidential adviser denies contacts with Hezbollah, insists talks with Lebanon are state-to-state

Ahmad Mowafaq Zaidan, media adviser to the Syrian presidency, has denied any contacts between Damascus and Hezbollah, stressing that Syria’s approach to Lebanon is based solely on dealing with the Lebanese state, not with any armed group. He made the remarks in an interview with Al Hadath TV.

Zaidan said reports claiming communication between the Syrian government and Hezbollah were "baseless," adding that "certain parties with vested interests are spreading false reports about contacts with Hezbollah."

The Syrian presidential adviser emphasized Damascus’s support for ensuring that decision-making in Lebanon remains exclusively in the hands of the state, insisting that negotiations with Lebanon should be "with the state, not with any militia."

He explained that Syria’s position is to support only the Lebanese state, stating: "Our approach in Lebanon is to support the state alone," and affirming that "the era of militias is over and has no place."

Zaidan’s comments follow reports of alleged contacts or meetings between Syrian officials and Hezbollah, which Damascus has denied. Earlier media reports had claimed a meeting took place in Turkey, but these claims were later refuted by Syrian officials.