In what has been described as the most serious message from Washington in years, senior U.S. diplomatic sources told kataeb.org that Special Envoy Thomas Barrack did not deliver routine warnings during his latest visit to Lebanon. Instead, he issued a clear and direct ultimatum to Lebanese officials: “Continuing on this path means returning to the pre-2000 reality, when Israel occupied parts of Lebanon and Hezbollah monopolized decision-making."

According to the source, the Trump administration is growing increasingly alarmed by the total institutional breakdown in Lebanon.

“Washington is no longer buying Lebanon’s double-speak about sovereignty,” the source said. “The truth is, Hezbollah has imposed its weapons as the de facto authority under systematic political cover, led by Speaker Nabih Berri.”

Barrack’s Warning Was a Threat in Disguise

The source emphasized that Barrack deliberately chose blunt language in his latest remarks, saying that “words no longer suffice” and urging the Lebanese government and Hezbollah to take immediate action.

This, the source clarified, was not mere statement, but rather a veiled threat and a pointed message to those who hide behind the façade of the state while relinquishing its authority may soon face real consequences.

The timing and tone of Barrack’s remarks were particularly alarming, coming shortly after Speaker Berri presented a proposal to the American delegation framed as a gesture of political flexibility, the source continued. However, Washington viewed it as yet another stalling tactic, aimed at buying time and sidestepping the core requirement of the international community: dismantling Hezbollah’s illegal arsenal and reasserting state sovereignty without armed partners.

Mouawad’s Vision Gains U.S. Attention

In a notable move, Barrack reposted a speech delivered by MP Michel Mouawad during a recent parliamentary session, in which the latter outlined a comprehensive roadmap for resolving Lebanon’s crisis. His plan called for disarmament, public finance reform, accountability for corruption, restructuring the civil service, and activating the Lebanese diaspora’s role.

According to the U.S. source, resharing Mouawad’s speech was no coincidence.

“The U.S. administration sees in Mouawad’s position a model of sovereign discourse, especially when compared to a political class that uses stability as a pretext to justify Hezbollah’s domination," the source explained.

Washington Preparing for the Worst

The most striking revelation came when the source warned that continued political paralysis and sovereignty erosion could result in dangerous field developments on the ground, beginning in southern Lebanon.

“We are closely monitoring the situation at the border with growing concern,” the source said. “Israel is moving slowly but steadily. It’s evaluating field measures that could bring the region back to the pre-2000 status quo, unless the chaos of unchecked arms is brought under control and the Lebanese state reclaims its legitimate authority.”

Berri Squarely in the Crosshairs

In what appeared to be a thinly veiled message from Washington, the source made it clear that Barrack’s warnings were directed not just at the Lebanese state broadly, but at Speaker Nabih Berri specifically.

“The Speaker continues to propose initiatives that appear patriotic on the surface but are in fact bargaining tools that further entrench Hezbollah as a power above the state,” the source said.

No Illusions About the Current Political Class

“No one in Washington expects miracles from Lebanon’s current political leadership,” the source concluded. “But what’s needed now is bold and unambiguous action, not layered rhetoric. Lebanon stands at a fateful crossroads: either it reclaims its sovereignty or it slips back into an era of occupation and total collapse.”

The question now: Does Berri have anything to offer beyond recycled formulas and empty promises, or has the U.S. already begun its exit from the politics of soft compromises?