US Imposes Sanctions on Middle Eastern Muslim Brotherhood Branches
The Trump administration has implemented its plan to classify certain branches of the Muslim Brotherhood in the Middle East as terrorist entities. This decision, announced on Tuesday, enacts sanctions that may affect diplomatic relations with U.S. allies such as Qatar and Turkey.
Both the Treasury and State Departments have taken action against the organization’s chapters in Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt, citing threats to U.S. security and interests. The Lebanese faction has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization, which criminalizes the provision of any material support to it. Meanwhile, the Jordanian and Egyptian branches have been identified as specially designated global terrorists, primarily for their support to Hamas.
In a statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the broader campaign against the group: “These designations reflect the opening actions of an ongoing, sustained effort to thwart Muslim Brotherhood chapters’ violence and destabilization wherever it occurs. The United States will use all available tools to deprive these Muslim Brotherhood chapters of the resources to engage in or support terrorism.”
This move follows an executive order from President Trump, which directed Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to explore sanction options. The order highlights violent actions, including a rocket attack on Israel by a Lebanese faction after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which escalated the conflict in Gaza.
Though the Muslim Brotherhood states it has renounced violence, its perceived associations with violence and destabilization efforts have led to these measures. The organization was banned in Egypt in 2013, and a similar ban in Jordan was announced earlier this year.
Political science expert Nathan Brown from George Washington University noted that countries like the United Arab Emirates and Egypt might welcome these sanctions. However, for nations where the Brotherhood is tolerated, such as Qatar and Turkey, it could strain bilateral ties.
Moreover, Brown pointed out potential implications for immigration, suggesting that the new designations might influence visa and asylum processes in the U.S., Western Europe, and Canada. “I think this would give immigration officials a stronger basis for suspicion, and it might make courts less likely to question any kind of official action against Brotherhood members who are seeking to stay in this country, seeking political asylum,” he mentioned.
The Trump administration previously considered labeling the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization in 2019. This stance has been supported by some of Trump’s key supporters, including Laura Loomer. Additionally, states like Florida and Texas have already taken similar steps at the state level by declaring the group a terrorist organization this year.
