Amidst growing tensions and calls for intervention from the United States, Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani has signaled a shift towards diplomacy with Lebanon, meeting key political figures including Nabih Berri, a close Hezbollah ally. This move follows President Donald Trump's repeated pleas for Syria to disarm the pro-Iranian Lebanese group Hezbollah. The meeting with Berri represents a departure from al-Shaibani's visit last October, indicating Damascus's intent to foster working relations with all Lebanese components, including those closest to Hezbollah. This diplomatic approach contrasts with Syria's historical influence and occasional intervention in Lebanon, dating back to their shared Ottoman Empire era. The current phase of Lebanese-Syrian relations is delicate, marked by a transition away from the old dominance model but not yet a complete break as seen post-2011. The new Syrian government seeks to rebuild its relationship with Lebanon under the banner of assistance and integration, rather than interference or influence imposition. However, lingering mistrust and internal Lebanese divisions over Hezbollah continue to impose a low ceiling on this relationship. With Syria's complicated history with Hezbollah, the group's future remains uncertain, particularly in light of Israel's attacks and Iran's insistence on linking any potential disarmament agreement with the US and Israel.