US sanctions Iran ambassador to Lebanon and 8 others over Hezbollah links

WASHINGTON, May 21: The United States has imposed sanctions on Iran’s ambassador-designate to Lebanon, Mohammad Reza Sheibani, along with eight other individuals in Lebanon, over allegations of obstructing peace efforts and hindering the disarmament of Hezbollah, according to the US Treasury Department. The department said the individuals include Hezbollah-aligned political, military, and security figures who are accused of working to preserve the group’s influence within Lebanese state institutions.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Hezbollah “is a terrorist organization and must be fully disarmed,” adding that Washington will continue targeting officials it believes are enabling the group’s activities and obstructing lasting peace in Lebanon. The sanctions list also includes several Hezbollah political representatives, Amal Movement security officials, and personnel linked to Lebanese security agencies and military intelligence, marking a continued US effort to pressure networks tied to the Iran-backed group.