Professor of International Relations, Amin Labbes, has highlighted that the United States' reclassification of Hezbollah as a proxy of the Quds Force significantly impacts how sanctions are applied. However, this classification does not alter the party's legal status in Lebanon nor transform it into an Iranian institution. Labbes noted that the American aim is to broaden the scope of sanctions, linking the party to the Iranian network and targeting companies and banks associated with Tehran and Hezbollah.
Regarding the repercussions of U.S. sanctions on Lebanon, Labbes explained in a conversation with Voice of All Lebanon that these sanctions increase pressure on the banking sector, complicate financial transfers, and heighten the risk of collaboration with entities connected to Hezbollah. This situation could compel Lebanese institutions to implement measures to avoid U.S. sanctions.
Labbes believes that the U.S. is attempting to influence the behavior of individuals and companies outside its jurisdiction, leading to a legal disagreement about the legitimacy of its sanctions on Iran and Hezbollah. He clarified that sanctions issued by the UN Security Council, which under Chapter VII of the UN Charter have the authority to impose binding measures on countries, differ from unilateral U.S. sanctions. He affirmed that countries have the right to reject these sanctions, although challenges remain due to the economic costs and the necessity of maintaining the American financial system.
Labbes emphasized that any effort to prevent Iran from navigating shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz would worsen the issue based on the Law of the Sea and the UN Charter. Additionally, while Iran is subject to sanctions, it is not permitted to use force against any country or vessel.