Hezbollah chief extends olive branch to Syria's new government

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem has expressed his willingness to meet with Syria's new leadership, marking the Iran-backed group's first public indication of openness to direct engagement with the authorities in Damascus since the country's political transition.

Qassem made the remarks during a televised address, saying there were no obstacles to holding a public meeting between Hezbollah officials and Syria's leadership, provided both sides agreed that the timing was appropriate, Al Arabiya reports.

"There are no obstacles to a public meeting between Hezbollah and the Syrian leadership at a time suitable for both sides," Qassem said, stressing the importance of maintaining "positive, fraternal and cooperative relations."

The statement represents Qassem's first public expression of readiness to engage with Syria's new government since the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad in 2024.

Throughout Syria's civil war, the Iran-backed Hezbollah played a key role in supporting Assad's government, deploying thousands of fighters in battles against opposition forces.

By Vafa Guliyeva