Saad Hariri, the former Prime Minister of Lebanon, announced his intention to visit Syria at the earliest opportunity, mentioning significant challenges that Syrian President Ahmed Shara is currently facing. Hariri's comments were made during a meeting with journalists at his home in Beirut on Saturday, where he expressed that a previously scheduled visit was postponed due to the outbreak of conflict with Iran. This remark aligns with the tumultuous political climate in the region following a series of attacks, including one by Israel against Iran in June 2025.

During his discussion, Hariri stressed the importance of refraining from involvement in Arab disputes and urged Lebanese citizens to avoid exploiting regional disagreements. He highlighted the longstanding Saudi role in stabilizing Lebanon through the Taif Agreement, which was signed in 1989 to end a fifteen-year civil war in the country. The agreement has historically served as a framework for Lebanon’s political landscape and has sought to maintain peace among various factions.

The implications of Hariri's anticipated visit to Syria could be significant, as it marks a potential thawing of relations between Lebanon and Syria post-civil war. It also raises questions about Lebanon's domestic and foreign policy stance, especially under current geopolitical tensions involving Iran. Hariri's acknowledgment of the challenges facing the new Syrian leadership suggests an awareness of the evolving dynamics in Syria, which may also resonate within the broader context of Arab unity and cooperation amidst external pressures.