Brian Hook: The U.S. Targets Hamas and Hezbollah's Financial Resources with Iran Sanctions

Brian Hook, the U.S. Special Representative for Iran, emphasized during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday that Washington has targeted the economic resources of Hamas and Hezbollah in Lebanon by imposing sanctions on Iran. Hook, who traveled to Tel Aviv, stated, "Now that the sanctions have been reinstated, we are in a position to target the revenue streams that Iran uses to finance Hamas and Hezbollah, its missile program, and threats against peace and security." He also referred to Netanyahu as an "extraordinary and committed partner in this endeavor" and praised him. Netanyahu has been a staunch opponent of the JCPOA and has repeatedly commended Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the U.S. from the agreement, calling it a "brave action." The nuclear agreement between world powers and Iran, known as the JCPOA, has been destabilized since May of this year following the U.S. withdrawal, and all U.S. sanctions against Iran that were lifted under the JCPOA have been reinstated since November 14. However, European powers, as well as Russia and China, have stated that they will try to preserve the JCPOA as long as Iran remains committed to it. This meeting between the U.S. State Department official and the Israeli Prime Minister comes three days after the International Atomic Energy Agency reported in its latest quarterly report that Iran has adhered to its commitments under the JCPOA. According to Israeli media, Netanyahu once again praised the Trump administration's sanctions during the meeting with Hook, stating that the power of these sanctions reduces Iran's role in the region. Netanyahu referred to Iran as "the most aggressive power in the region" and asserted that sanctions are the most important action that leads to Iran's retreat and is a very significant move for establishing peace in the region and the world. This meeting occurred two days after John Bolton, the U.S. National Security Advisor, stated that Washington will pressure the Islamic Republic until it is drained of its resources. Washington claims that Iran must change its behavior, including ceasing its support for Hamas, Hezbollah, the Syrian government, and Houthi rebels in Yemen.