On Tuesday, the United States officially classified the affiliates of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon as global terrorist organizations. This decision, taken by both the Department of State and the Department of the Treasury, marks a significant move in the country's counterterrorism strategy.
This measure, revealed in an official statement, is part of a new counterterrorism strategy driven by the administration of President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
"The State Department designates the Lebanese branch of the Muslim Brotherhood as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), including its leader, Muhammad Fawzi Taqqosh, on the SDGT individuals list," the statement detailed.
The Secretary of State emphasized that these designations aim to "safeguard the security of the United States and its allies" against groups that, according to Washington, "have extended their influence in the Middle East through funding and promoting violent actions."
Rubio declared that the U.S. government "will not tolerate the double standards of organizations that preach peace while supporting Hamas terrorism."
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) disclosed that the secretary-general of the Lebanese affiliate, Muhamed Tauzi Taqush, has been added to the list of specially designated global terrorists. This action results in the immediate freezing of his assets under U.S. jurisdiction and bans any transactions with related entities or individuals.
According to OFAC, the affiliates of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon have been involved in recruitment, training, and funding activities directed at armed groups like the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas).
The U.S. investigation reports that these branches contributed to the transfer of resources and fighters to Gaza, as well as the planning of actions against Israeli and Western interests in the region.
"Despite their political and religious façade, these affiliates have served as logistical and financial platforms for the expansion of Islamist extremism," stated John Hurley, Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.
Hurley noted that the connections between the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas have intensified since 2025, aiming to destabilize Washington's allied governments, particularly in Egypt and Jordan.
The imposed sanctions block the leaders and members of these affiliates from accessing financial systems controlled by the United States, and prohibit U.S. companies and banks from maintaining any economic ties with them.
Furthermore, the State Department warned that it might expand the list to include other related organizations if links to extremist activities are discovered.
The official statement underscores that this decision is part of the Trump Administration's global campaign to "combat terrorism financing and close channels that support organizations promoting violence and regional instability."
Rubio asserted that "these sanctions send a clear message to the accomplices of extremism: there will be no sanctuary or impunity for those who finance terror."
With this designation, the U.S. strengthens its policy of pressure on Islamist networks operating in the Middle East, while bolstering its alliance with strategic Arab governments against the influence of Iran and its allied groups.
Understanding the U.S. Designation of Muslim Brotherhood Affiliates
What does the U.S. designation of terrorist organizations entail?
The designation leads to the freezing of assets under U.S. jurisdiction and bans transactions with related entities or individuals, effectively isolating the organizations financially and politically.
Why are the Muslim Brotherhood affiliates targeted?
The affiliates are targeted due to their involvement in recruitment, training, and financing of armed groups like Hamas, as well as planning actions against Israeli and Western interests.
How does this decision affect U.S.-Middle East relations?
The decision reinforces U.S. alliances with strategic Arab governments against Iran's influence, while applying pressure on Islamist networks in the region.