New US Sanctions Against Hezbollah in Line with 'Reducing Iran's Influence'

The US Treasury Department announced that in line with reducing Iran's influence in the Middle East, it has placed six individuals and seven entities associated with Hezbollah in Lebanon on the sanctions list. Steven Mnuchin, the US Treasury Secretary, stated on Friday: "The government (of the US) is determined to disrupt Hezbollah's network, which uses its financial resources for illicit programs, including in the Middle East and North Africa." The six individuals sanctioned include five Lebanese citizens and one Iraqi citizen working at the engineering company 'Al-Anma'. The seven sanctioned entities are companies located in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Lebanon, and Ghana. Senior US officials have stated that these sanctions are part of a serious plan against Hezbollah to limit Iran's influence in the region. Reports indicate that Iran sends approximately $700 million annually to support Hezbollah in Lebanon. Some of these senior officials, speaking to reporters on condition of anonymity, mentioned that the Trump administration believes that the previous administration under Barack Obama did not take Hezbollah seriously enough following the signing of the nuclear deal known as the JCPOA with Iran. These officials also added that more targeted sanctions will be announced in the coming weeks. They noted that Hezbollah has already been financially pressured due to operational costs in Syria and Yemen, and the aim is to align European allies with the US for increased pressure on this group. Following the new sanctions on these individuals and entities, all their assets within the jurisdiction of the United States will be frozen, and any transactions between US individuals or entities and them will be prohibited. The six individuals were sanctioned due to their connection with 'Adham Tabaja' and his company - Al-Anma contracting engineering. US officials state that Adham Tabaja is among the top five financial supporters of Hezbollah. Previously, the Israeli army had warned that Iran has effectively opened its branch in Lebanon. Ron Malka, a spokesperson for the Israeli army, stated that the negligence of the Lebanese government and the indifference of many countries in the international community have contributed to Lebanon becoming a large missile manufacturing factory. Colonel Ron Malka indicated that strengthening Iran's foothold in Lebanon could lead to war in that country. Iran has repeatedly emphasized that it will continue to support Hezbollah and any anti-Israeli group and will not hide this support.