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Lebanon fighting 'terror financing', President Aoun tells US

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  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, November 9th 2025 at 21:01 GMT by The Straits Times
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Lebanon’s President Aoun Calls on the United States to Bolster Efforts Against Terrorist Financing

In a high‑stakes interview with U.S. officials, Lebanon’s President Michel Aoun stressed the country’s resolve to curb the flow of funds to terrorist organizations, while also appealing for sustained international support. Aoun, who has led Lebanon since 2020, framed the conversation around the broader geopolitical pressures facing the nation and the critical role of the United States in helping Lebanon fortify its financial safeguards.

The Context of a Fragile State

Lebanon’s economy is in turmoil. Hyper‑inflation, a collapsed banking sector, and widespread poverty have created a fertile environment for illicit financial activity. In this climate, the Lebanese Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has been tasked with monitoring suspicious transactions, a role that has become increasingly complex as terrorist groups, most notably Hezbollah, seek to expand their funding streams through both legal and shadowy channels.

“The situation is dire,” Aoun said. “We have a country that is already under economic duress, and now we are asked to address an urgent security threat that could destabilize the entire region.” He cited the U.S. Treasury’s sanctions list, which targets individuals and entities associated with Hezbollah’s finance network, and highlighted Lebanon’s commitment to enforcing those sanctions.

Strengthening Financial Oversight

Aoun outlined several initiatives the Lebanese government has implemented to enhance its oversight. The FIU has expanded its data‑collection capabilities, integrating real‑time monitoring of large transfers and suspicious activity alerts. Lebanon has also adopted the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations, seeking to align its regulatory framework with international standards. The government has increased the number of anti‑money laundering (AML) officers, and new training programs have been launched in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“We are tightening the net,” Aoun said, adding that the Lebanese banking system now conducts more rigorous due‑diligence checks. “We are not only focusing on the big players, but also on small and medium‑sized institutions that may unwittingly become conduits for illicit funds.”

The Role of U.S. Cooperation

While praising the U.S. for its ongoing support, Aoun stressed that Lebanon still requires enhanced cooperation. He called for:

1. Technical Assistance: “We need more expertise in AML and counter‑terrorism financing. This includes training for Lebanese law enforcement and the banking sector.”

2. Information Sharing: “Real‑time exchange of data on suspicious transactions will enable us to act quickly and dismantle financing networks before they become operational.”

3. Sanctions Enforcement: “Support for monitoring compliance with U.S. sanctions, especially regarding entities linked to Hezbollah, is essential.”

4. Financial Sanctions Against Hezbollah: Aoun urged the U.S. to increase pressure on the organization’s financial apparatus by sanctioning more of its foreign affiliates and disrupting its revenue streams, such as the construction projects that have been a significant source of income.

The president’s remarks were in line with the U.S. State Department’s recent statements that emphasize the importance of a coordinated global effort to prevent terrorist financing. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on a growing number of Hezbollah-linked individuals and entities, and it has urged allied nations to cooperate in enforcement.

Addressing the Broader Threat Landscape

Aoun’s address also touched on the broader security environment. Hezbollah’s growing influence in Lebanon and its potential to act as a conduit for foreign terrorism are not only a threat to Lebanese sovereignty but also to regional stability. The president explained that the United States has a stake in ensuring that Hezbollah’s financial networks remain broken and that any illicit flows are intercepted before they can be used for violent purposes.

He said: “Our fight is not only about Lebanese security. It is about protecting the entire region from the scourge of terrorism. This is why we must work together with our international partners.”

The Economic Imperative

The economic crisis in Lebanon has pushed many citizens toward informal economic activities, which can sometimes intersect with illicit finance. Aoun highlighted the need for economic reforms and job creation as a means to reduce the temptation for people to engage in suspicious or illegal financial behavior. He urged the United States and international financial institutions to support reforms that can revive Lebanon’s economy and provide legitimate opportunities for its populace.

The Path Forward

Aoun concluded that the fight against terrorist financing must be seen as a dual battle: one that requires both strong regulatory frameworks and robust diplomatic engagement. He pledged that Lebanon would continue to cooperate with international partners to disrupt illicit financial flows. His call to the United States was for an intensified partnership—one that combines financial support, technical expertise, and shared intelligence to achieve a common goal: the neutralization of terrorist financing networks.

As Lebanon grapples with an economy in distress and a precarious security environment, President Aoun’s plea underscores the necessity of international collaboration. The United States, as a key ally, faces the choice to deepen its engagement with Lebanon or risk allowing the financial underpinnings of regional terrorism to strengthen. The outcome of this diplomatic and financial dialogue will shape the future of Lebanese stability and the broader Middle Eastern security landscape.