US sanctions Hezbollah MPs, Amal and security officials, and Iran's envoy to Lebanon

The United States on Thursday sanctioned Hezbollah MPs Hassan Fadlallah, Hussein al-Hajj Hassan and Ibrahim al-Moussawi; Hezbollah official and ex-minister Mohammad Fneish, Amal Movement security officials Ahmad Baalbaki and Ali Safawi, Lebanese Army intelligence officer Samer Hamadi and General Security officer Khattar Nassereddine, and Iranian Ambassador-designate to Lebanon Mohammad Reza Sheibani, accusing them of enabling Hezbollah.

"By supporting the terrorist group, these individuals further the Iranian regime's malicious agenda in Lebanon and actively obstruct the path to peace and recovery for the Lebanese people," the U.S. State Department said in a statement.

"Hezbollah's continued commitment to terrorism and refusal to disarm prevent the Government of Lebanon from delivering the peace, stability, and prosperity that its people deserve. Today's designations target

individuals who are impeding Hezbollah's disarmament, including members of parliament, an Iranian diplomat violating Lebanon's sovereignty, and Lebanese security officials who have abused their roles to benefit a terrorist organization," the statement said.

It stressed that "a stable, secure, and independent Lebanon requires the full disarmament of Hezbollah and the restoration of the Lebanese government's exclusive authority over security matters throughout the country."