U.S. envoy Tom Barrack reiterated on Tuesday that the disarmament of Hezbollah and other factions remains a sovereign Lebanese matter, emphasizing that while Washington is committed to supporting the country, it will not wait indefinitely for Lebanon to make the right decisions.
Speaking in an interview with LBCI, Barrack reminded that the United States has officially designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. He stressed that Washington’s presence in Lebanon is rooted in a policy of support and guidance, not interference. “The region is changing rapidly, and if the Lebanese don’t want to change, just tell us, and we won’t interfere,” he said.
Barrack noted that the international community is offering Lebanon the same opportunity it is extending to Syria, but warned that this window will not remain open indefinitely. “No one is going to negotiate with Lebanon forever,” he said, indicating that “timing is essential, and the opportunity will not remain available indefinitely.”
Furthermore, he underscored that any future international support would be conditional on “clear timelines and effective disarmament,” emphasizing that this process does not need to involve violence.
Barrack credited his diplomatic mission to “the ingenuity and courage of one man, President Donald Trump”. “He shows extraordinary courage, determination, and capability. What he doesn’t have is patience. So if Lebanon wants to keep postponing this issue, it’s up to him, but we won’t be here in May to have this conversation," he stressed, referring to the possibility of delaying the weapons issue until after the upcoming elections.
He underlined that the U.S. is not seeking to influence Lebanon’s political system but stands ready to assist if the Lebanese leadership chooses a path of reform. "There are no threats or ultimatums. It’s simply about seizing the moment. The region is changing and you shouldn’t accept to be left behind," he warned. "We are here to support you, if you want our help. We’re here to assist you and to protect you, but we will not intervene in regime change or interfere in domestic politics. And if you don’t want our help, it’s not a problem. We’ll just go home. Period."
And he emphasized: "Everything is changing. If you don’t want change, if the people don’t want change, just tell us, and we will not get involved."
The envoy praised Lebanon’s three presidents, describing them as “honest and direct,” and expressed appreciation for how the Lebanese government delivered its response to U.S. proposals, notably without any media leaks, which he called “amazing” in the Lebanese political landscape.
Commenting on the ongoing discussions surrounding sovereignty and disarmament, Barrack described the process as a “traditional Lebanese negotiation,” one that will continue until all sides are ready to reach a real agreement.
“Leadership exists in Lebanon,” he affirmed, calling on decision-makers to be honest, courageous, and willing to take risks. “We have a ghost economy, and the world is waiting for real results from Lebanese leaders. It’s time to stop arguing and start working,” he continued.
As for recent reports suggesting a regional deal involving the handover of Tripoli and the Bekaa to Syria, Barrack dismissed them outright. “This is fiction,” he said.
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