The leader of the Marada Movement, Sleiman Frangieh, during his interview with al-Mayadeen, on April 21, 2026. (Credit: Image taken from his X account)
Less than a week after reaching a preliminary agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the regional war, Washington opted for a political escalation against Hezbollah. On Thursday, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Mahmoud Qomati, the deputy head of Hezbollah's political bureau, as well as Sleiman Frangieh, its closest Christian ally and perennial candidate for the presidency. The sanctions also target Wael Costantine, an individual based between Iraq and Lebanon, as well as companies based in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Oman. The timing of the announcement is not random. The move suggests that Washington is seeking to prevent Hezbollah from capitalizing on a favorable regional agreement with Iran.The most notable figure on the sanctions list is Frangieh. The head of the Marada party, known for his close ties to Bashar...
Less than a week after reaching a preliminary agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the regional war, Washington opted for a political escalation against Hezbollah. On Thursday, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Mahmoud Qomati, the deputy head of Hezbollah's political bureau, as well as Sleiman Frangieh, its closest Christian ally and perennial candidate for the presidency. The sanctions also target Wael Costantine, an individual based between Iraq and Lebanon, as well as companies based in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Oman. The timing of the announcement is not random. The move suggests that Washington is seeking to prevent Hezbollah from capitalizing on a favorable regional agreement with Iran.The most notable figure on the sanctions list is Frangieh. The head of the Marada party, known for his close ties to Bashar...
