U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Lebanese Officials Accused of Supporting Hezbollah

The United States government has imposed economic sanctions on Lebanese individuals accused of undermining the peace process and delaying the disarmament of the pro-Iranian movement Hezbollah.

The U.S. Treasury Department announced the sanctions Thursday, identifying Sleiman Frangieh and Mahmoud Kmati as key figures targeted. Frangieh, a Christian politician leading the Marada party, received Hezbollah's backing in the last presidential election. Kmati serves as the deputy head of Hezbollah's political bureau.

According to the Treasury Department, these officials allegedly utilized their influence to obstruct Lebanon's peace process and impede the disarmament of Hezbollah. Frangieh, a former minister and parliamentarian, has long been an ally of Hezbollah and maintained close personal ties with former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who was supported by Hezbollah.

Within Lebanon's power-sharing system, the presidency is reserved for a Christian. Hezbollah had supported Frangieh's candidacy, though he ultimately withdrew it in early 2025, shortly before Joseph Aoun's election.

Mahmoud Kmati emerged as one of Hezbollah's leading political spokespersons following the 2023-2024 war with Israel. He has also held a ministerial position.