WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of State announced today that it has imposed sanctions on a network of financial operatives accused of transferring tens of millions of dollars from Iran to Hizballah to support the group’s operations.
According to a statement from Principal Deputy Spokesperson Thomas “Tommy” Pigott, the sanctioned individuals worked with businessmen and currency exchanges to conduct covert business dealings that enabled significant financial transfers from Iran, ultimately helping fund Hizballah’s terrorist activities.
The action, taken under Executive Order 13224, as amended, targets terrorists and those who provide support to them. Hizballah was first designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. Department of State in 1997 and as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in 2001.
Pigott said the move reflects the United States’ continued effort to counter Iran’s influence in Lebanon. “By enabling Hizballah, Iran holds Lebanon back and undermines its sovereignty,” he said. “Iran and Hizballah cannot be allowed to keep Lebanon captive any longer.”
The sanctions are part of what officials described as a “whole-of-government” approach to apply maximum pressure on Iran and its proxies, as outlined in National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 issued on February 4.
The Department of State said it will continue to use every available tool to prevent Hizballah from threatening the Lebanese people or the broader region.
