‘Addressing Iran’s Support For Terrorism’: Treasury Sanctions Hezbollah Financiers in Lebanon and Iran

Latest Developments

• Targets Transferred Funds From Iran to Hezbollah: The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned four individuals in Lebanon and Iran who transferred funds to Iran’s proxy Hezbollah and its network of affiliates. Deputy Treasury Secretary Michael Faulkner said on May 15 that the new sanctions were part of the Trump administration’s “efforts to address Iran’s support for terrorism” through its proxies. The Treasury Department added that the action aimed to prevent Hezbollah from rearming after Israel devastated much of the terrorist group’s capabilities in 2024.
• Money From Overseas Donors: The Treasury charged the four individuals — Mu’in Daqiq al-‘Amili, Jihad Alami, Fadi Nehme, and Hasan Abdallah Ni’mah — for working closely with Hezbollah’s leadership to provide the group with money from overseas donors, which comprised a significant portion of its overall budget. Al-‘Amili, a resident of Qom, Iran, coordinated cash payments from Iran to senior Hezbollah finance officials in Lebanon. Ni’mah focused on facilitating funding opportunities with Hezbollah affiliates in Africa, including delivering thousands of dollars to the Islamic Movement of Nigeria.
• More Hezbollah Sanctions Likely: In a recent interview with Lebanese media, U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus said more sanctions against the group were likely. She emphasized that “there was no justification for Hezbollah to keep its arms,” as the group has dragged Lebanon into two wars in the past two decades that “the Lebanese people did not choose.” Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated on April 15 that he aims to disarm Hezbollah through dialogue, but the group’s leader, Naim Qassem, has rejected the possibility, asserting, “the hand that tries to reach the weapons of the resistance will be cut off.”

FDD Expert Response

“Finances will prove crucial to Hezbollah’s survival and regeneration. These sanctions are needed to obstruct the group’s efforts, but they are insufficient. Pressure must be applied on Lebanon to shut down Hezbollah’s parallel banking system and financial streams, including its al-Qard al-Hassan financial institution and funding from supporters abroad, in addition to tightening controls on money reaching Hezbollah through Beirut airport.” — David Daoud, Senior Fellow

“These sanctions would not have been needed had Beirut abided by the ceasefire agreement with Israel and disbanded Hezbollah by now. But the longer the Lebanese state drags its feet on disarming the group, the more sanctions the Lebanese will suffer.” — Hussain Abdul-Hussain, Research Fellow

FDD Background and Analysis

“Lebanon Is Finally on the Right Track,” by Hussain Abdul-Hussain

“Naim Qassem encourages voting in upcoming Lebanese municipal elections,” by David Daoud

“Israeli Air Strikes Target Hezbollah Infrastructure in Southern Lebanon,” FDD Flash Brief

“Hezbollah to Aoun: Bring It On!” by Hussain Abdul-Hussain