U.S. Sanctions Lebanese Officials to Force Hezbollah Disarmament

The United States Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on May 21 and 22, 2026, targeting 16 individuals and entities linked to Hezbollah's financial networks and Lebanese state institutions. For the first time, the U.S. sanctioned sitting Lebanese state security officials, including Army Colonel Samir Hamadi and General Security officer Khattar Nasser Eldin, accusing them of sharing sensitive intelligence with Hezbollah. Other targets included four Hezbollah parliamentarians, officials from the Amal Movement, and Iranian ambassador-designate Mohammad Reza Sheibani.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that Hezbollah is a terror organization that must be fully disarmed, vowing to target officials who infiltrate the Lebanese government to enable the group's violence. The measures also targeted a global money-laundering operation allegedly run by Alaa Hassan Hamieh, which reportedly moved over $100 million to support military activities.

These actions occur as the U.S. mediates talks between Lebanon and Israel to end a conflict that began on March 2, 2026, and has killed over 3,000 people. While Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam support these negotiations, Hezbollah has rejected direct talks and disarmament efforts. Hezbollah condemned the sanctions as a blatant attempt to intimidate the Lebanese people and subject the state to U.S. tutelage.

In response, the Lebanese Armed Forces affirmed the loyalty of its personnel, while Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar ordered an investigation into the sanctioned General Security officer. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran condemned the sanctions as illegal and a violation of international law.