U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, is set to return to Lebanon in approximately a week, as reported by al-Joumhouria newspaper on Friday. In a recent interview on LBCI television, she confirmed the introduction of new U.S. sanctions targeting three individuals associated with financing Hezbollah, reiterating Washington’s commitment to disrupting illicit financing channels linked to Iran and its regional proxies.
Ortagus explained that the U.S. has reestablished the “maximum pressure” campaign, initially launched during President Donald Trump’s first term, aiming specifically at Iran and affiliated entities like Hezbollah. She stated, “These sanctions aim to identify and expose individuals and networks facilitating illicit financing for Hezbollah,” emphasizing the ongoing strategy to hold terror proxies accountable.
During the discussion, Ortagus firmly dismissed the notion that Israel’s occupation of strategic sites in southern Lebanon justifies Hezbollah’s possession of weapons. She pointed out that Hezbollah has previously embroiled Lebanon in wars that the Lebanese people did not choose, leading to devastation in the south. “There is no justification for Hezbollah to keep its arms,” she asserted.
Ortagus also expressed the United States’ intention to collaborate with Lebanese leaders, including President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, to forge a more promising economic future for Lebanon. However, she noted that such a future hinges on the disarmament of Hezbollah and the establishment of sole authority over weapons by the Lebanese Armed Forces.
The possibility of Lebanon joining the Abraham Accords, which aimed to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab nations, was also brought up. Although Ortagus did not provide specific details about ongoing negotiations, she highlighted Trump’s commitment to fostering peace in the region, referencing the success of the accords.
Regarding her forthcoming visit to Lebanon, Ortagus did not specify dates but expressed enthusiasm about returning, joking about the allure of Beirut in the summer. She emphasized once again that real peace and prosperity for Lebanon depend on disarming Hezbollah throughout the country.
Lastly, on the topic of the recent decision to lift sanctions on Syria, she indicated that Lebanon should observe Syria’s leadership approach under interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, advocating for peace and stability as the ultimate goals for both nations.
This visit and the accompanying discussions reflect a renewed diplomatic effort by the U.S. aimed at ensuring security and economic revitalization in Lebanon, contrasting with the recent past marked by conflict and instability. Ortagus’s focus on cooperation with Lebanese leaders and the push for disarmament signals a potential path toward stability and growth in the region.