Sources: US Hints it Would Impose New Sanctions on Hezbollah
Asharq Al-Awsat Monday, 14 January, 2019 - 07:15
https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/1545081/sources-us-hints-it-would-impose-new-sanctions-hezbollah

Beirut - Nazeer Rida

Washington hinted it would introduce new sanctions against Hezbollah and
Iran, as part of its escalatory positions against the Shiite party in
Lebanon, as US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale
visited Beirut.

Local sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that during his meeting with several
Lebanese officials on Sunday, Hale expressed concern over Iran and Hezbollah’s
activities, which are causing instability in both Lebanon and Syria.

“There are indications that new US sanctions could be imposed on Iran and
Hezbollah, and all sides linked to them,” the sources said.

They added that Hale’s discussions in Beirut showed that the US would take
additional measures against the activities of Tehran and the Shiite party in
the region.

“While tackling the US sanctions on Iran, Hale informed officials he met on
Sunday that Tehran … is failing to market two thirds of its oil output,” the
sources explained.

They said Washington would invite Lebanon to a global conference focused on
the Middle East, particularly Iran, expected in Poland on February 13 and
14.

On Sunday, Hale discussed with Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun
military relations between two countries, US military assistance and a new
vision for Lebanon’s future, the National News Agency (NNA) reported.

The US official later visited General Security Director General Maj. Gen.
Abbas Ibrahim.

Talks focused on the developments and tension on the southern border caused
by the resumption of Israel's building of the separation wall in disputed
areas, NNA said.

It added that discussions also touched on the maritime boundary between
Lebanon and Israel.

On Saturday, Hale met with Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat.