US sanctions elected Hezbollah MPs and Lebanese security officials
The US Treasury has rolled out a new sanctions list of nine Lebanese names, including elected Hezbollah parliamentarians. Beirut described the measures as 'interference in internal affairs'.
The US Treasury added nine individuals to a fresh Lebanon-focused sanctions package. The list includes elected Hezbollah parliamentarians Mohammad Raad and Ali Fayyad, as well as officials from Lebanon's General Directorate of Internal Security and customs authorities. The Treasury cited security evidence at border crossings and regulatory cooperation against an Iran-linked financing network.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun issued a written statement after the announcement, describing the sanctions as 'an attempt to interfere in Lebanon's electoral process'. Prime Minister Najib Mikati requested an urgent meeting with US Ambassador Lisa Johnson. Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem said the party's parliamentarians would continue their work in parliament.
The sanctions are seen as part of mounting US pressure on Lebanon in recent weeks. Intelligence reports on weapons traffic across the Syrian border and discussions around the Iran-Lebanon Investment Bank form the backdrop for US officials' tougher approach. European Union representatives urged both sides to keep political dialogue channels open.
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