The US embassy in Beirut has revoked the visas of several Lebanese figures, who have good relations with the Syrian regime or Iran, as Washington plans on introducing more sanctions on Tehran.
Asharq Al-Awsat learned that the US consulate revoked the visa of a Lebanese lawyer representing a Syrian businessman suspected of having ties with the Syrian regime. It also revoked the visas of several Lebanese businessmen, who have been planning on visiting Damascus to set up companies that would play an active role in Syria’s reconstruction.
Political sources revealed that the businessmen were informed about the measure through phone calls they received from the US consulate in Beirut.
The businessmen “have fallen victim to claims that the regime’s ties with a number of Arab states was improving, and that Arab capitals would soon reopen their embassies in Damascus to prepare for a bigger role in the country's reconstruction,” the sources said.
Political sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that during his visit to Beirut last month, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo informed Lebanese leaders that certain companies planning on playing a role in the reconstruction of Syria would be placed on a new list of sanctioned entities.
Lebanon fears that the new sanctions on Iran would have negative repercussions on the economic situation, especially that several Iran-allied figures continue to carry out their businesses from Beirut.
