US Seeks to Cut Iran's Funding to Hezbollah Amid Lebanon Turmoil
The US Treasury Department aims to reduce Iranian financial support for the Lebanese group Hezbollah, leveraging a 'moment' in Lebanon to press for disarmament and counteract Iranian influence.
Istanbul: The United States is capitalizing on a current situation in Lebanon to reduce Iran's funding of Hezbollah and push for the group’s disarmament, according to John Hurley, the undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence at the US Treasury Department.
Despite Western sanctions severely impacting Iran’s economy, Tehran has managed to channel approximately $1 billion to Hezbollah this year.The 'maximum pressure' campaign implemented by Washington seeks to limit Iran's uranium enrichment activities and curb its regional influence, including in Lebanon where Iranian-backed Hezbollah is weakened following Israel's military confrontation with the group in 2023-24.
The US recently sanctioned two individuals involved in money exchanges that allegedly support Hezbollah, which multiple Western governments and Gulf states designate as a terrorist organization.Hurley stated, "There’s a moment in Lebanon now.
If we could get Hezbollah to disarm, the Lebanese people could get their country back".
He emphasized that driving out Iranian influence is essential by cutting off the financial resources that Iran provides to Hezbollah.
The sanctions on Iran have led it to seek closer economic ties with countries like China and Russia, as well as regional partners such as the United Arab Emirates.Iran’s economy faces potential hyperinflation and recession due to reinstated UN sanctions following the breakdown of negotiations over its nuclear program and missile activities in September.
Western powers accuse Iran of developing a secret nuclear weapons capability, while Tehran asserts that its nuclear efforts are for civilian energy purposes.Israel, a US ally, claims Hezbollah is attempting to rebuild its capabilities, despite being under a ceasefire agreement made a year ago.
Lebanon’s government has committed to disarming non-state groups, including Hezbollah, which was founded in 1982 by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and is part of the 'Axis of Resistance.' Although Hezbollah has not obstructed Lebanese forces seizing weapons caches in southern Lebanon, it remains opposed to full disarmament.Hurley, who recently visited the Middle East, met with government officials, bankers, and private sector executives in his efforts against Iran.
He criticized Iran’s continued financial support for its "terrorist proxies" despite economic hardships.
Despite Western sanctions severely impacting Iran’s economy, Tehran has managed to channel approximately $1 billion to Hezbollah this year.The 'maximum pressure' campaign implemented by Washington seeks to limit Iran's uranium enrichment activities and curb its regional influence, including in Lebanon where Iranian-backed Hezbollah is weakened following Israel's military confrontation with the group in 2023-24.
The US recently sanctioned two individuals involved in money exchanges that allegedly support Hezbollah, which multiple Western governments and Gulf states designate as a terrorist organization.Hurley stated, "There’s a moment in Lebanon now.
If we could get Hezbollah to disarm, the Lebanese people could get their country back".
He emphasized that driving out Iranian influence is essential by cutting off the financial resources that Iran provides to Hezbollah.
The sanctions on Iran have led it to seek closer economic ties with countries like China and Russia, as well as regional partners such as the United Arab Emirates.Iran’s economy faces potential hyperinflation and recession due to reinstated UN sanctions following the breakdown of negotiations over its nuclear program and missile activities in September.
Western powers accuse Iran of developing a secret nuclear weapons capability, while Tehran asserts that its nuclear efforts are for civilian energy purposes.Israel, a US ally, claims Hezbollah is attempting to rebuild its capabilities, despite being under a ceasefire agreement made a year ago.
Lebanon’s government has committed to disarming non-state groups, including Hezbollah, which was founded in 1982 by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and is part of the 'Axis of Resistance.' Although Hezbollah has not obstructed Lebanese forces seizing weapons caches in southern Lebanon, it remains opposed to full disarmament.Hurley, who recently visited the Middle East, met with government officials, bankers, and private sector executives in his efforts against Iran.
He criticized Iran’s continued financial support for its "terrorist proxies" despite economic hardships.
