Lebanese official says US wants 'real action' on money laundering

AFP , Monday 10 Nov 2025

A Lebanese official said Monday that a US delegation on a visit to discuss ways to cut off Hezbollah's funding streams had called on Beirut to take "real action" on money laundering.

Hezbollah supporters raise the party's yellow flags and pictures of its slain leader, as they ma
Hezbollah supporters raise the party's yellow flags and pictures of its slain leader, as they mark the first anniversary of his killing, in Beirut's seaside Raouche area. AFP

 

Salam discussed with US officials "the government's efforts to combat money laundering" and "strengthening state authority over ports and airports", according to his office.

A Lebanese official who requested anonymity told AFP that the US delegation "delivered a very firm and clear message: they want real action before the end of the year".

"They want Lebanese authorities to counter money laundering, the cash economy and close Al-Qard al-Hassan," the official said, referring to a Hezbollah-linked financial firm sanctioned by Washington.

Since January 2025, Iran's Revolutionary Guards have "transferred over $1 billion" to Hezbollah, "mostly through money exchange companies", said a US Treasury statement.

Aoun said he told US officials on Sunday that "Lebanon strictly applies the measures adopted to prevent money laundering, smuggling, or its use in financing terrorism".

Hezbollah was severely weakened in its most recent war with Israel, which was halted by a November 2024 ceasefire.

Despite the ceasefire, Israel has kept up attacks on Lebanon, where it continues to hold five positions.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called for direct talks with Israel to end the attacks.

Gorka said on X on Monday that today Aoun "is positioned to help realise (US) President Donald Trump's vision for peace in the Middle East under a new, broader Abraham Accords".

Several Arab countries normalised ties with Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords.

The United States has intensified pressure on the Lebanese authorities to disarm Hezbollah, a plan opposed by the Islamist group and its allies.

On Thursday, the US imposed sanctions on three Hezbollah members allegedly involved in the transfer of tens of millions of dollars from Iran, the group's main sponsor.

Part of the funding was via money exchange businesses that operate in cash, the US Treasury said.

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