The U.S. Treasury Department announces new sanctions targeting Lebanese officials it says are aligned with Hezbollah, as well as individuals connected to the previously sanctioned Alaa Hassan Hamieh business network. The U.S. alleges the designated parties obstruct Lebanon’s peace process and delay efforts to disarm Hezbollah. According to reporting, the sanctions are issued by the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). In addition to Lebanese figures, the U.S. also designates individuals in Syria, Iraq, and Oman. The Treasury’s stated rationale is that these individuals are raising funds and operating front companies intended to generate revenue for Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group. The measures announced on Thursday follow the earlier designation of the Alaa Hassan Hamieh business network, which the U.S. again cites as part of a broader web of support. The sources describe the sanctions as part of U.S. efforts to pressure Hezbollah and to impede activities the U.S. associates with hindering Lebanon-related political and disarmament steps.