Report: Visiting FBI Head Warned Lebanon of Possible Sanctions

FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized in his meetings with Lebanese officials on the need for the government to abide by “Washington's decisions on Hizbullah's activities and its members around the world,” hinting that “sanctions could be imposed on Lebanon if it does not respect the U.S. interests,” a media report said.

Wray specifically referred to “the attempt by President Donald Trump's administration to fight the party financially through unveiling its global accounts and activities,” senior political sources told Kuwait's al-Jarida newspaper in remarks published Sunday.

“Wray sensed that President Michel Aoun was responsive in this regard,” the sources added, noting that “the two sides discussed means to boost cooperation and and continue the implementation of programs dedicated to exchanging information between the FBI and Lebanon's security agencies.”

In a statement, the U.S. embassy in Beirut had said that Wray visited Lebanon to “reaffirm the U.S. government’s commitment to the Lebanese-American partnership.”

Accompanied by U.S. Ambassador Elizabeth Richard, Wray met with Aoun, Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri, and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, among other senior Lebanese officials.

“They discussed issues relating to the close law enforcement and security cooperation between the United States and Lebanon,” the embassy added.

It also underscored that Lebanon is “a key partner on law enforcement, including the fight against terrorism and the preservation of cultural heritage through preventing antiquities trafficking,” adding that Wray’s visit “highlights the importance that the United States places on its relationship with Lebanon, and our continued commitment to the security of both the United States and Lebanon.”