The U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Presidential Envoy to Syria, Thomas Bruck, confirmed on Monday that his return to Beirut was due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s strong interest in "securing regional stability, with Lebanon at the center of this process."

Speaking to the press after meeting Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Beirut, Bruck stated that he was returning to Lebanon amid instability in Syria, particularly following last week’s events. He stressed the need to focus efforts on restoring stability and hope to Lebanon and the region.

When asked about the Lebanese government’s stance toward Hezbollah, the U.S. envoy clarified that the cessation of hostilities agreement had been in effect since last November, "but it has not succeeded, and there are reasons for that. We will all work toward a solution that brings stability and peace." He added that disarming Hezbollah is "a highly internal matter."

Bruck expressed U.S. concerns over recent developments in Syria, emphasizing the need for the Damascus government to include all parties, engage in dialogue with minorities, and coordinate with neighboring countries and regional partners.

Earlier in the day, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, on behalf of the Lebanese state, handed U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Bruck a comprehensive memorandum outlining Lebanon’s commitments since the cessation of hostilities agreement on November 27 last year, up to the ministerial statement of the Lebanese government.