NOVANEWS
BEIRUT, LEBANON (11:45 A.M.) – The U.S. Special Representative for Syria, James Jeffrey, told Asharq Al-Awsat that his nation wants the immediate and full withdrawal of Iranian forces from the Levantine country.
According to Jeffrey, the U.S. will not allow “fill the void” in the northeastern part of the country, should they choose to follow through on President Donald Trump’s order to withdraw.
Jeffrey said the U.S. will continue to pressure the Syrian government through economic sanctions and halt any normalization with Arab states until a “new political government is formed.”
The U.S. official’s comments come just two months after Lebanon and Iraq attempted to restore Syria’s membership to the Arab League.
Prior to the meeting, Al-Akhbar released an exclusive article that revealed Washington’s threats to Lebanon if they were to push for Syria’s reinstatement in the Arab League.
“We will continue to find different ways to pressure [Syria] until the regime decides to cooperate on the political process,” he said. “The solution is political; not military.”
Jeffrey has been outspoken about the U.S.’ demands of the Syrian government; however, neither side has sat down to discuss any potential peace plan.
Damascus argues that the U.S. is illegally occupying parts of Syria, which is a violation of international law.
