U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria, Thomas Barrack, arrived in Lebanon on Monday for high-level talks on a proposed political and security framework for the country. His first stop was Baabda Palace, where he met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and received Lebanon’s formal written response to Washington’s proposal.

Following the meeting, Barrack described the talks as “productive and satisfactory,” and praised the Lebanese response for its “balanced tone,” signaling cautious optimism about the path forward.

“There is an opportunity here, and no one is better than the Lebanese themselves to determine how best to seize it,” he said. “It’s time for the region to move forward.”

Barrack emphasized that U.S. President Donald Trump remains committed to supporting Lebanon’s stability and prosperity.

“I am unbelievably satisfied  with Lebanon’s response, and we now need some time to reflect,” he added. “What the government gave us was something spectacular in a very short period of time and a very complicated manner."

Barrack made clear that the core of the process must begin inside Lebanon, particularly with regard to Hezbollah’s weapons.

“The challenge lies within. We want Lebanon to deal with Hezbollah; we are not going to do that for them,” he said. “We’re not here to dictate what Lebanon should do, but to support the decisions it makes. The mechanism that existed previously between Lebanon and Israel was not heading in the right direction.”

"If you don’t want change, it’s no problem. The rest of the region is moving at high speed,” he said.

Asked about Hezbollah’s role, Barrack responded pointedly: “Isn’t Hezbollah a political party in Lebanon? Do you believe any foreign country can dissolve a political party in a sovereign nation? This is your issue, you have to resolve it.”

Barrack also ruled out any link between the Lebanese file and ongoing negotiations with Iran.

“There is no connection between what we are doing here and the Iran talks,” he said. “Lebanon is not bound by any specific timeline, but it must develop a clear vision of what it wants. Hezbollah must understand that it now has a real opportunity for peace.”

The envoy reiterated that Israel remains interested in achieving peace with Lebanon.

“Everyone is tired of what has happened over the past several years. We now have a new framework. Each party will have to give something up. Let’s hold on to this chance,” he said.

According to Barrack, Lebanon’s response to the U.S. proposal came in 15 key points and included amendments drawn from seven position papers.

“It was a responsible response, and it offers ideas worth reviewing,” he said, confirming that he and his team would study the proposals and deliver a reply “as soon as possible.”

Barrack also stressed the importance of the Lebanese Army’s role in any future solution, underscoring the need for a diplomatic track.

Commenting on Syria, Barrack said the country had transitioned “from total chaos to a place of hope,” despite lacking Lebanon’s institutional advantages.

“Dialogue has begun between Syria and Israel. That same dialogue must be created with Lebanon,” he said.