Tommy Pigott, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, said in a statement that the sanctioned individuals had advanced “the Islamic Republic of Iran’s destructive agenda in Lebanon” through their support for Hezbollah and had obstructed peace, stability, and the country’s reconstruction efforts.
The statement said Hezbollah continues to engage in “terrorist” activities and maintain its weapons, which has prevented the Lebanese government from providing the security, stability, and prosperity expected by the Lebanese people.
The State Department stated that the new sanctions target individuals who have obstructed efforts to disarm Hezbollah. These individuals include members of the Lebanese parliament, an Iranian regime diplomat, and Lebanese security officials who, according to Washington, abused their positions to assist Hezbollah.
The statement added that the sanctioned Iranian diplomat had participated in activities benefiting Hezbollah in violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty, although his name was not disclosed in the published statement.
Washington also emphasized that Hezbollah, as one of the Islamic Republic’s most significant regional proxy forces, remains a major obstacle to strengthening Lebanon’s central government and restoring Beirut’s full authority over the country’s security affairs.
The State Department said that the United States continues to support the Lebanese people and the country’s legitimate institutions, but will also hold accountable those who continue to support Hezbollah.
Pigott warned: “This is only the beginning. Anyone who continues to protect, cooperate with, or assist this terrorist organization in undermining Lebanon’s sovereignty should understand that they will be held accountable.”
Washington also reiterated the need for Hezbollah’s complete disarmament, stating that a “stable, secure, and independent” Lebanon can only be achieved when the Lebanese government exercises “exclusive control” over security matters throughout the country.
