Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri met on Tuesday with U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Lebanon and Syria, Thomas Barrack, for more than an hour in Ain al-Tineh.

While Barrack did not give a full statement after the meeting, he described the meeting with Berri as “great," and responded briefly to a reporter's question about Washington's refusal to offer guarantees to Lebanon.

“The issue is not about guarantees,” Barrack said. “We are dealing with the matter, and things are progressing. You must remain hopeful. We are trying to move forward, and the goal is to achieve stability in the region.”

Upon his arrival at Ain al-Tineh, Barrack struck an optimistic tone, telling reporters:
“I’m optimistic about my visit… The United States will not abandon Lebanon.”

Earlier, Lebanese broadcaster MTV reported that Berri may be preparing a proposal to present to the U.S. envoy, based on a phased de-escalation plan. According to the report, the plan would begin with Israel halting hostilities for 15 days, followed by Lebanon initiating a disarmament process.

Barrack also held separate meetings with senior Lebanese officials during his visit, including Finance Minister Yassine Jaber, and Central Bank Governor Karim Souaid.