1 week ago
US Redesignates Hezbollah, Citing Ties to Iran
The United States announced new sanctions against Hezbollah, a political and armed group based in Lebanon.
US officials said Hezbollah works for Iran’s government and is linked to Iran’s Quds Force.
The United States updated Hezbollah’s designation under an existing terrorism-related authority.
Hezbollah had already been designated by the United States in earlier years.
The sanctions can freeze assets and restrict banks and businesses from supporting the named targets.
The US also sanctioned 10 people accused of moving money for Hezbollah.
Washington said these actions were separate from additional sanctions planned against Iran.
Iran’s foreign minister rejected the US pressure and said it would not force Iran to surrender.
The United States imposed fresh sanctions on Lebanon-based Hezbollah on Thursday, including a redesignation under an existing terrorism authority.
The Treasury Department said Hezbollah was redesignated for serving Iran’s government under the command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force.
Hezbollah was listed as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 1997 and as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in 2001.
The United States also sanctioned 10 people accused of smuggling cash for Hezbollah, including a Turkish businessman and several couriers.
The Hezbollah measures were described as separate from planned Iran sanctions, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called US economic threats failed policies and economic terrorism.
- Who
- The United States, Hezbollah, Iran’s government, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force, 10 accused money smugglers, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
- What
- The United States imposed fresh sanctions, redesignated Hezbollah as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, and sanctioned 10 people accused of moving cash for the group.
- Where
- The measures target Lebanon-based Hezbollah and an alleged money-transfer network operating between countries in the region and Lebanon.
- When
- Thursday, with additional Iran-focused sanctions expected to be announced the following Monday.
- Why
- The United States said the action was intended to highlight Hezbollah’s alleged service to Iran’s government and disrupt its financial networks.
US Position
Iranian Position
Hezbollah’s relationship with Iran
US Position
The United States said Hezbollah acts on behalf of Iran’s government and operates under the command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force.
Iranian Position
Iran rejected the broader US pressure; its foreign minister did not accept Washington’s characterization of the sanctions policy and called it failed.
Purpose of economic pressure
US Position
Washington said the sanctions would increase pressure on Hezbollah and disrupt financial networks allegedly supporting the group and its links with Iran.
Iranian Position
Abbas Araghchi said US economic threats would create more hostility and produce further failures rather than compel Iran to surrender.
Key facts
- Hezbollah designation
- The Treasury Department redesignated Hezbollah as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist for service to the Iranian regime under the command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force.
- Existing US listings
- Hezbollah was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 1997 and as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in 2001.
- Additional targets
- Ten individuals were sanctioned over accusations that they smuggled cash for Hezbollah.
- Alleged money network
- The US accused a Turkish businessman of managing regional couriers and using Türkiye-based exchange houses, companies, and bank accounts to facilitate transfers linked to the Quds Force.
- Sanctions effects
- The measures can freeze assets under US jurisdiction, restrict banks from dealing with designated targets, and prohibit goods, services, and material support.
- Separate Iran measures
- A US official said the Hezbollah action was separate from further Iran-focused sanctions planned by Washington.
- Iranian response
- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described US economic threats as failed policies and economic terrorism.
Quotes
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
Iranian Foreign Minister
“"The redesignation was intended to show that Hezbollah is acting on behalf of the Iranian government and update the public record to link the designation to Hezbollah's actions on behalf of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force."”
NDTV
“for service to the Iranian regime under the command of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force.”
firstpost.com
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent
United States Treasury Secretary
“the toughest sanctions in history”
firstpost.com
Sources
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