In a major shift in Middle Eastern policy, the Trump administration has officially labeled three regional branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations.

The move, announced on Tuesday, triggers sweeping sanctions and marks a significant escalation in the US campaign against the group’s influence.

The US State and Treasury Departments identified the Lebanese, Jordanian, and Egyptian chapters as direct threats to American national security and interests. The Lebanese branch—known as al-Jamaa al-Islamiyah—received the most severe classification as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).

Meanwhile, the Jordanian and Egyptian branches were designated as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT) for their material support of Hamas.

“These designations reflect the opening actions of an ongoing, sustained effort to thwart Muslim Brotherhood chapters' violence and destabilization wherever it occurs,” stated Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed the sentiment, noting that the administration is "working aggressively to cut them off from the financial system."

The administration’s executive order specifically cited the Lebanese chapter’s involvement in rocket attacks against Israel following the October 7, 2023, assault by Hamas.

It also pointed to long-standing support provided by the Jordanian leadership to Hamas’s militant wing.

The decision was met with immediate defiance from the targeted groups. The Egyptian branch "categorically rejects" the label and has announced plans to challenge the decision through legal channels.

Similarly, the Lebanese chapter insisted it operates within the bounds of the law, dismissing the US move as having “no legal effect” on its domestic standing.

Conversely, the Egyptian government, which banned the group in 2013, hailed the move as a "significant step" toward curbing global extremism.

While the move is likely to strengthen ties with allies like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, analysts warn it could strain relations with nations where the Brotherhood maintains a political or social presence, such as Qatar and Turkey.

Beyond diplomacy, the designations are expected to have a tangible impact on international travel and legal status.

Experts suggest that members or associates of these chapters may now face significantly higher hurdles when applying for visas or seeking political asylum in the United States, Europe and Canada.

Source: AP