BY OUR FOREIGN DESK
WASHINGTON has launched a devastating blow against the global financial lifelines of Hezbollah, freezing the assets of a sprawling network accused of laundering millions for the terror group.
In a move designed to “choke off” the group’s ability to fund operations, the U.S. Department of State announced a massive wave of sanctions targeting individuals and companies across the Middle East, Europe, and North America.
The Trump Administration warned that the Lebanon-based group is funneling millions into “reckless attacks” on Israel while leaving Lebanese civilians to suffer the consequences of their actions.
Principal Deputy Spokesperson Thomas “Tommy” Pigott confirmed the move yesterday, stating that the sanctions target a sophisticated web used to “evade sanctions” and bankroll Hezbollah’s finance team.
”Hezbollah’s reckless attack on Israel demonstrates yet again that it prioritizes the pursuit of terrorism on behalf of the Iranian regime over the peace and safety of the Lebanese people,” Pigott said.
He added that the group continues to spend eye-watering sums on terrorism, “depriving [Lebanese civilians] of a normal life.”
The crackdown, carried out under Executive Order 13224, targets “financial enablers” who have allegedly helped the group move money through legitimate-looking companies and projects.
While the specific names of the front companies remain closely guarded by the Treasury, the reach of the network is said to span three continents, including several operations within Europe.
Background: A Decades-Old Threat
Hezbollah, a Shi’a Islamist political party and militant group based in Lebanon, has been a thorn in the side of Western intelligence for decades.
1997: The U.S. officially designated Hezbollah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
2001: Following the 9/11 attacks, they were labeled Specially Designated Global Terrorists.
The Iran Connection: The group is widely considered a “proxy” for the Iranian regime, receiving significant funding, training, and weapons from Tehran to exert influence across the Middle East.
This latest move by the Trump Administration signals a “zero-tolerance” approach to those providing the “oxygen of cash” to groups threatening Middle Eastern stability.
