Asharq Al-Awsat

The United States issued on Friday fresh sanctions designating a Lebanon-based sanctions evasion network that supports Hezbollah’s finance team, which oversees commercial projects and oil smuggling networks that generate revenue for Hezbollah.

Such evasion networks bolster Iran and Hezbollah, undermining Lebanon, said the State Department. “As part of today’s action, the United States is designating five individuals and three associated companies, including family members and close associates of prominent Hezbollah officials.”

“This action supports the whole-of-government policy of maximum pressure on Iran and its terrorist proxies, like Hezbollah,” it added.

“The United States is committed to supporting Lebanon by exposing and disrupting funding schemes for Hezbollah’s terrorist activities and Iran’s destabilizing influence in the region,” it said.

“Hezbollah cannot be allowed to keep Lebanon captive. The United States will continue using tools at its disposal until this terrorist group no longer threatens the Lebanese people,” it vowed.