United States Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa received the green light to meet with Hezbollah, according to a Lebanese report published Thursday evening, but a US official denied the report.
Issa himself denied on Wednesday that he is currently holding any talks with Hezbollah, but said he would be willing to speak with the organization if it had something to offer.
Last week, the United States announced new sanctions against Hezbollah, while also updating the basis for its designation as a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist" (SDGT) organization, in a move that emphasizes the group's activities on behalf of the Iranian regime and under the command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force.
A US official clarified that the move does not add Hezbollah to a new sanctions list. The organization was already designated under this authority in 2001 and is also classified by the United States as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The current change is intended to more explicitly link Hezbollah's activities to Iran and the Quds Force.
Lebanese Army troops patrol southern Lebanon following ceasefire arrangements. The agreement places renewed emphasis on the state’s role in extending authority into areas long influenced by Hezbollah. (credit: AZIZ TAHER/REUTERS)
