US wants to stop Iranian funding of Hezbollah and push for its disarmament

The United States wants to take advantage of the current situation in Lebanon to stop the flow of funds from Iran to Hezbollah. According to US Deputy Secretary of the Treasury John Hurley, the group will receive around a billion dollars from Tehran in 2025, despite the severe sanctions that have hit the Iranian economy hard.

The US is trying to reduce Iran's influence in the region, including through a 'maximum pressure' campaign. Hurley noted that if Hezbollah could be disarmed, Lebanon could regain control of its own territory.

Iran, whose economy is struggling with recession and inflation, is seeking closer relations with Russia, China and the Gulf states after the failed nuclear negotiations. The US recently imposed sanctions on two individuals suspected of financing Hezbollah through money changers.

Israel, which considers Hezbollah a threat, launched air strikes on southern Lebanon on Thursday, despite a ceasefire reached in 2024.

Hezbollah, which was formed with the backing of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, still refuses to fully disarm, even though the Lebanese government has pledged to do so.

(reuters, max)