The United States targeted several Lebanese parliamentarians, state security officials, and Hezbollah affiliates with new sanctions aimed at curbing the militant group's entrenched influence within Lebanon’s government. This marks the first time sitting Lebanese security officials have been sanctioned by Washington for allegedly offering Hezbollah illicit support and intelligence during ongoing regional conflicts.

Among those sanctioned are former cabinet minister Mohammed Fneish and senior Hezbollah lawmakers Hassan Fadlallah, Ibrahim al-Moussawi, and Hussein Hajj Hassan, all of whom have resisted efforts to disarm Hezbollah. The sanctions also extend to two current Lebanese state security agents from the General Security agency and military intelligence, accused of compromising Lebanon’s national security by assisting Hezbollah. Mohammad Reza Sheibani, Iran’s former ambassador-designate to Lebanon who was expelled from Beirut, was included as well.

The Treasury Department issued the sanctions to restrict the individuals’ access to US financial assets and property, reflecting Washington’s broader effort to weaken Hezbollah’s political and military hold on Lebanon. These actions come amid ongoing low-level discussions between Lebanese and Israeli officials in Washington, seeking to resolve months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The Pentagon is set to host the first direct military talks between both sides later this month.

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon—intended to pressure Hezbollah’s disarmament—have resulted in civilian casualties, with Lebanon’s Health Ministry reporting deaths including women and children. Hezbollah has rejected international calls for disarmament, instead supporting Iran-led negotiations facilitated by Pakistan. Lebanon’s current president and prime minister, elected on a reformist agenda promising to disarm all non-state groups, face increasing pressure both domestically and from allies to take decisive steps, though they remain cautious about triggering armed confrontation.

Hezbollah has been designated a foreign terrorist group by the US since 1997 under the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act. The recent sanctions underscore Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s commitment to counteract Hezbollah’s infiltration into Lebanon’s institutions and to curb its violent campaigns against Lebanese civilians.