Arabic version: الولايات المتحدة تفرض عقوبات جديدة على شركة تبادل الذهب المرتبطة بحزب الله
The United States government has announced a new round of sanctions targeting a gold exchange firm linked to Hezbollah, marking a significant step in its ongoing efforts to disrupt the financial networks of the Lebanese militant group. The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated the firm, along with several individuals associated with it, under its sanctions program aimed at combating terrorism and its financing.
The sanctions were imposed on February 10, 2026, in response to evidence suggesting that the gold exchange firm was facilitating transactions that benefit Hezbollah, which has been designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. since 1997. According to officials, the firm was reportedly involved in laundering funds through gold transactions, enabling the group to finance its operations in Lebanon and beyond.
“These sanctions demonstrate our commitment to targeting the financial networks that support Hezbollah’s terrorist activities,” said Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in a statement. “We will continue to work with our international partners to hold accountable those who enable this group and its operations.”
The U.S. has been ramping up its sanctions against Hezbollah in recent years, particularly in light of the group’s increasing influence in Lebanon and its involvement in regional conflicts. The latest sanctions are part of a broader strategy to apply economic pressure on Hezbollah and its affiliates, aiming to cut off their access to financial resources.
Analysts believe that these sanctions may have a significant impact on Hezbollah’s financial operations, particularly as gold has become a favored medium for the group to conduct transactions and evade traditional banking systems. By targeting the gold exchange firm, U.S. officials hope to disrupt the flow of funds that sustain Hezbollah’s activities.
In response to the sanctions, Hezbollah has condemned the U.S. actions, labeling them as a form of economic warfare. The group claims that such measures are aimed at undermining its support base and destabilizing Lebanon. “These sanctions will not deter us; they will only strengthen our resolve to resist foreign aggression,” a Hezbollah spokesperson said.
The move has drawn mixed reactions from the international community. While some countries have expressed support for the U.S. stance on Hezbollah, others have criticized the approach, arguing that sanctions disproportionately affect the civilian population in Lebanon, already grappling with a severe economic crisis.
As Lebanon continues to face significant political and economic challenges, the situation remains tense. Observers are closely monitoring how these sanctions will affect Hezbollah’s operations and the broader implications for Lebanon’s stability. The U.S. government has indicated that it will continue to explore additional measures to counter Hezbollah’s influence in the region.
