Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is seeking to reshape relations with both Syria and Israel in an attempt to reduce Lebanon's exposure to regional conflict, Lebanese officials said.

The presidency has opted for direct engagement with neighbouring states, including on the most sensitive files, reflecting a view in Beirut that Lebanon can no longer afford to react to regional developments as they unfold. Officials describe the approach as a "zero problems" policy intended to shield the country from regional confrontations.

The policy carries political and security risks. Lebanon's geography and internal divisions leave little room for manoeuvre, and the ceasefire with Israel remains fragile. Officials say early results have nonetheless been more substantial than expected, with progress recorded on both tracks.

A framework agreement signed with Israel has triggered a large-scale political debate in Lebanon, with critics questioning its scope and implications. Regional and international actors have welcomed it as a step towards formalising an already evolving set of understandings.

Beirut stresses that the document is not a peace treaty but a framework for further talks. Its stated objectives are full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, the launch of reconstruction works and the return of forcibly displaced people. In return, Lebanon would commit to internal measures on the state's monopoly over decisions of war and peace, and on the consolidation of arms under state authority.

The outline remains general and will require further negotiation on timelines and implementation mechanisms. US mediation is expected to play a central role.

Relations with Syria have shown a noticeable change. The visit to Beirut by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani was read in Lebanese and Western diplomatic circles as a sign that Damascus wants to redefine ties on a state-to-state footing.

Al-Shaibani reportedly reassured Lebanese officials that Syria's new leadership does not intend to interfere in Lebanon's internal affairs. The assurance followed a statement by US President Donald Trump that he was considering asking Syrian authorities to confront Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese political and armed movement. The remark raised concerns in Beirut.

The visit concluded with an agreement to establish a joint higher committee to manage bilateral relations. Talks covered border security, efforts to halt smuggling, and the status of Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Both sides expressed interest in extending cooperation into economic and institutional areas. No major political breakthroughs were announced.

Lebanese officials described the talks as the start of a more structured relationship based on mutual recognition of sovereignty and non-interference.

The visit followed months of incremental exchanges aimed at lowering tensions and closing prolonged periods of institutional rupture. Damascus has reciprocated the Lebanese outreach despite heavy foreign pressure to draw Syria into Lebanon's political disputes.

Turkey is reported to have played a quiet facilitating role, drawing on its influence with Syria's new leadership. Ankara's relations with Israel are increasingly strained, but its engagement on the Syrian file has aimed at avoiding further regional escalation.

Western diplomats say Beirut has moved away from a passive approach and is attempting to shape its own regional environment. They describe the shift as long overdue.

With tensions persisting on the southern border, improved relations with Damascus are viewed as providing strategic depth along the eastern and northern frontiers.

Aoun's administration presents the approach as an attempt to move Lebanon out of paralysis rather than a definitive break with past policy. Officials say the Israeli track remains uncertain and is still in its early stages.