The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on two Lebanese political figures and a network of individuals and companies accused of supporting Hezbollah, marking the latest step in Washington’s campaign to weaken the Iran-backed group’s political and financial influence in Lebanon.
According to the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the measures target Hezbollah-aligned Lebanese officials as well as members of a business network allegedly overseen by Alaa Hassan Hamieh, also known as Alaa Hamieh.
In its Treasury statement, the Treasury said: “Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating Hizballah-aligned Lebanese officials, as well as members of a Hizballah-associated business network overseen by Alaa Hassan Hamieh, also known as Alaa Hamieh.”
The sanctions specifically target Sleiman Antoine Frangieh, leader of Lebanon’s Marada Movement, and Mahmoud Qamati, deputy head of Hezbollah’s political council. US authorities allege that the two figures have played roles in preserving Hezbollah’s military and political power within Lebanon and obstructing efforts aimed at reducing the group’s military and political influence.
The Treasury also sanctioned businessman Wael Costanteen and several companies that US officials say generated revenue for individuals linked to Hezbollah. The department alleges that these entities formed part of a wider financial support structure connected to the organization and its activities.
Announcing the measures, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reiterated Washington’s position on Hezbollah’s role in Lebanon.
“Hizballah is a terrorist organization and must be fully disarmed,” Bessent said in the Treasury statement. “Treasury will continue to take action against officials who have infiltrated the Lebanese government and are enabling Hizballah to wage its senseless campaign of violence against the Lebanese people and obstruct lasting peace.”
The latest sanctions follow a broader US effort to pressure Hezbollah and individuals accused of helping maintain its influence over Lebanese state institutions. In May, Washington sanctioned nine Hezbollah-aligned individuals in Lebanon, including officials embedded within parliament, security services, and military structures, accusing them of obstructing the country’s peace process and delaying the group’s disarmament.
Washington’s position has repeatedly been that the Lebanese state should exercise exclusive authority over security matters throughout the country, particularly in southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah maintains a strong presence. US officials contend that Hezbollah’s military capabilities undermine Lebanese sovereignty and complicate efforts to stabilize the country.
The sanctions come at a sensitive moment for Lebanon and Israel. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts and ceasefire arrangements, tensions between Israel and Hezbollah remain high. Lebanon has repeatedly accused Israel of violating its sovereignty through continued military strikes and operations on Lebanese territory, while Israel argues that Hezbollah continues to pose a security threat along the border.
Hezbollah, which is Iran-backed and remains one of Lebanon’s most influential political and military actors, has consistently rejected calls for its disarmament. The group maintains that its weapons are necessary for resisting Israeli military actions and protecting Lebanese territory.
Under US sanctions rules, any assets belonging to the designated individuals or entities that fall under US jurisdiction are blocked, and American citizens and companies are generally prohibited from conducting transactions with them. The measures also expose foreign entities dealing with sanctioned individuals to potential secondary sanctions.
The Treasury Department indicated that it will continue targeting networks that it believes provide financial or political support to Hezbollah as part of Washington’s broader strategy to curtail the organization’s regional influence.
