Lebanon is at a pivotal moment as the United States intensifies efforts to diminish Iranian influence in the country. Washington appears resolute in its push to sever ties between Lebanon and Iran, with growing momentum in Congress to introduce legislation that could reshape Lebanon’s political and economic landscape, Independent Arabia reported. 

Mounting U.S. Pressure

According to American diplomatic sources, Lebanon will face increasing pressure in the coming months as Washington employs a "carrot and stick" strategy to advance its policy objectives. The U.S. is reportedly committed to fully dismantling Lebanon’s ties with Iran, warning that any obstruction of this effort will result in sanctions and strict legislative measures. The sanctions are aimed at political figures and financial entities accused of corruption or of collaborating with Hezbollah, which the U.S. designates as a terrorist organization and holds responsible for destabilizing the Middle East and operating global money-laundering networks.

The scope of U.S. sanctions is expected to widen, with 17 individuals and political-economic entities currently under review. These measures will not be limited to Hezbollah alone but will extend to its allies across Lebanon’s diverse political and sectarian landscape. Political figures implicated in corruption, regardless of their affiliations, are also likely to face sanctions as part of Washington’s broader objective to uphold the rule of law. Meanwhile, financial networks suspected of laundering money and financing illicit activities are under scrutiny, with the Trump administration reportedly determined to push forward with Hezbollah’s disarmament.

Legislative Campaign Targeting Hezbollah

Sources familiar with U.S. policymaking indicate that several legislative proposals are taking shape in Congress, in collaboration with Lebanese-American organizations. Three key bills have emerged as focal points:

• A bill aimed at preventing armed groups from engaging in extremist activities.
• A bill to sanction political figures and entities involved in corruption.
• A bill targeting Hezbollah’s financial networks, which have expanded significantly since Lebanon’s economic collapse in October 2019.

The financial sanctions are expected to focus on two Hezbollah-linked networks that gained prominence following the country’s banking sector crisis. These networks, allegedly designed to circumvent Lebanon’s traditional banking system, are believed to be part of a sophisticated financial structure that allows Hezbollah to access global financial markets and launder money.

The PAGER Act: Blocking Aid to Hezbollah

One of the legislative proposals nearing introduction in Congress is the Preventing Adversarial Governance and Enforcement Restrictions Act (PAGER Act), sponsored by U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-FL). This bill seeks to ensure that no U.S. taxpayer funds are channeled to Hezbollah in Lebanon. It aims to block American aid from reaching any entity linked to Hezbollah and requires the Lebanese government to take tangible steps within 60 days to disarm the group. Additionally, it mandates sanctions on individuals and organizations supporting Hezbollah.

The PAGER Act is part of a broader U.S. effort to enhance transparency and accountability in foreign aid distribution, ensuring that funds align with American national interests and values. It also underscores Washington’s commitment to combating terrorism and promoting stability in the Middle East.

Hezbollah Accountability Act Gains Momentum

Political analyst Mouaffak Harb notes that pressure on Hezbollah and the Lebanese government is escalating, particularly as efforts to pass the "Hezbollah Accountability Act" gain traction in Washington. This proposed legislation aims to curb Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon and could have significant implications for the country’s political landscape if enacted.

Harb revealed that several U.S. organizations, including those with Lebanese-American members and ties to the Trump administration, have launched a congressional campaign to push for the bill’s approval. Traditionally, U.S. administrations have resisted congressional efforts to impose stringent foreign policy measures, favoring diplomatic flexibility. However, this stance has shifted under Trump, who appointed hardline officials and consolidated control over the Republican Party, while Democratic opposition has struggled to present a unified counter-strategy.

According to Harb, Hezbollah’s recent military setback in southern Lebanon forced it to retreat north of the Litani River. Despite this, both Israel and the U.S. see continued pressure as necessary to ensure Hezbollah’s full disarmament across Lebanon. Washington expects the Lebanese government and political parties to take on this responsibility, using economic sanctions to create an environment that weakens Hezbollah’s influence and discourages political alliances with the group.

The Hezbollah Accountability Act calls on Congress to take decisive action against Hezbollah’s role as an Iranian proxy and "global criminal entity that undermines Lebanese sovereignty and Western aid efforts." The bill also urges enforcement of the Magnitsky Act, the imposition of sanctions on Hezbollah-linked entities, and measures to prevent the group’s infiltration into state institutions.