Washington hinted it would introduce new sanctions against Hezbollah and Iran, as part of its escalatory positions against the Shiite party in Lebanon, as US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale visited Beirut.
Local sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that during his meeting with several Lebanese officials on Sunday, Hale expressed concern over Iran and Hezbollah’s activities, which are causing instability in both Lebanon and Syria.
“There are indications that new US sanctions could be imposed on Iran and Hezbollah, and all sides linked to them,” the sources said.
They added that Hale’s discussions in Beirut showed that the US would take additional measures against the activities of Tehran and the Shiite party in the region.
“While tackling the US sanctions on Iran, Hale informed officials he met on Sunday that Tehran … is failing to market two thirds of its oil output,” the sources explained.
They said Washington would invite Lebanon to a global conference focused on the Middle East, particularly Iran, expected in Poland on February 13 and 14.
On Sunday, Hale discussed with Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun military relations between two countries, US military assistance and a new vision for Lebanon’s future, the National News Agency (NNA) reported.
The US official later visited General Security Director General Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim.
Talks focused on the developments and tension on the southern border caused by the resumption of Israel's building of the separation wall in disputed areas, NNA said.
It added that discussions also touched on the maritime boundary between Lebanon and Israel.
On Saturday, Hale met with Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat.
