The United States is intensifying its efforts to cut off Hezbollah’s financial lifelines and pressuring for the group’s full disarmament across Lebanon, U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus said in an interview with LBCI, underscoring renewed sanctions and a wider regional strategy to counter Iran-backed proxies.

Speaking shortly after Washington announced new sanctions targeting Hezbollah operatives and financial facilitators, Ortagus said the move is part of a revived “maximum pressure” campaign initially launched during the Trump administration, with a renewed focus on undermining Hezbollah’s financing networks and holding enablers accountable.

“We’re working hand-in-hand with the State and Treasury Departments to identify and expose individuals who facilitate Hezbollah’s illicit funding,” Ortagus said. “And this is just the beginning as more sanctions are on the way.”

She stressed that the campaign aims not only to penalize those aiding Hezbollah, but also to disrupt broader Iranian influence in the region.

“We’re pursuing terrorist proxies across the Middle East,” she added.

Rejecting claims that Hezbollah’s arsenal is justified by Israel’s continued occupation of five disputed sites in southern Lebanon, Ortagus stated that “Hezbollah has dragged Lebanon into war with Israel twice over the past 20 years. Each time, the group brought destruction to the South and pulled civilians into a conflict they did not choose. There’s no justification for Hezbollah to remain armed.”

She reiterated Washington’s position that Lebanon’s sovereignty and future hinge on a monopoly of arms under the control of state institutions.

“We want to partner with Lebanese leadership to build a prosperous future, but that future is only possible if the Lebanese Armed Forces are the sole legitimate defenders of the country.”

Ortagus reiterated Washington’s commitment to working with Lebanon’s leadership, while maintaining a hard line on Hezbollah.

“We are committed to helping Lebanon move forward, but it must be a Lebanon where the state is sovereign and the weapons are in the hands of the military, not a militia,” she said. “Inshallah, we’ll see real progress soon.”

Ortagus noted that the United States is coordinating closely with Gulf allies, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, to ensure that Lebanon moves in the right direction.

“These countries, along with the U.S., have made it clear: peace and prosperity for Lebanon will only come when Hezbollah is disarmed, not just south of the Litani River, but throughout the country.”

She expressed hope that momentum toward a more stable Lebanon could mirror regional shifts seen in recent years. Asked whether Lebanon might one day join the Abraham Accords—U.S.-brokered agreements that normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations—Ortagus didn’t confirm any ongoing discussions but praised the precedent.

“President Trump achieved what no other modern leader could by securing peace deals between Israel and Arab nations after a 26-year stalemate,” she said.

Ortagus also referenced Trump’s first official visit abroad to Saudi Arabia as a signal of the administration’s deep regional engagement.

“We have a unified vision with our Gulf partners, and we’re working in lockstep to achieve long-term regional stability.”

The envoy said she tries to visit Lebanon every six to eight weeks and expressed optimism about an upcoming trip.

“I hope to be back in Beirut very soon. Who wouldn’t want to be there in the summer?” she said with a smile.

Turning to Syria, Ortagus pointed to President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s outreach to Gulf leaders and the Trump administration regarding the lifting of U.S. sanctions as an example Lebanon might study. She emphasized that diplomacy, not war, remains the path forward.

“Lebanon has the opportunity to learn from Syria’s efforts to reintegrate and attract investment. Inclusive governance and protection of minorities are essential steps,” she said.