U.S. Threat of Sanctions Against Those Hindering Lebanese Presidential Elections

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf revealed that "the administration is considering the possibility of imposing sanctions on Lebanese leaders due to the ongoing failure to elect a new president in Lebanon." During a discussion with U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen in a committee session, Leaf responded to a question about whether sanctions should be considered, saying, "We are looking into it. Yes, it is possible." Leaf also addressed the critical situation in Lebanon and expressed concern about the escalating economic and political crisis in the country, emphasizing the potential indirect effects on regional security. Speaking in the Subcommittee on Near Eastern, South Asian, and Central Asian Affairs and Terrorism, Leaf stated, "In Lebanon, the economic and political crises threaten the security interests of our closest partners in the region." She expressed the administration's intent to impose sanctions on Lebanese leaders and hold individuals accountable for obstructing the electoral process and hindering progress towards resolving the presidential election impasse.