The U.S. Department of State announced new terrorism designations on 13 January 2026, formally targeting Muslim Brotherhood chapters and leaders in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan under U.S. counterterrorism authorities.
The action, issued by the U.S. Department of State, applies Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist designations to specific entities and individuals. The move matters because it triggers immediate legal, financial, and travel restrictions tied to U.S. counterterrorism law.
Designation of Muslim Brotherhood chapters
The State Department designated the Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in January 2026. Additionally, the department designated the group’s secretary general, Muhammad Fawzi Taqqosh, as an SDGT under Executive Order 13224.
Meanwhile, the Department of the Treasury designated the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood and the Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood as SDGTs. Treasury stated that the designations were based on findings that the groups provided material support to Hamas, which has been designated as both an FTO and an SDGT since 1997 and 2001 respectively.
Designation authorities and scope
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood | Designated FTO and SDGT | January 2026 action by the U.S. Department of State under the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224 |
| Egyptian and Jordanian Muslim Brotherhoods | Designated SDGTs | January 2026 action by the U.S. Department of the Treasury citing material support to Hamas |
Security justification cited by the State Department
The State Department linked the Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood designation to operational activity following the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. According to the department’s fact sheet, the group reactivated its al-Fajr Forces and launched rockets from Lebanon into northern Israel in coordination with Hizballah and Hamas.
Additionally, the department cited actions by regional security forces, including a July 2025 operation by the Lebanese Army dismantling a covert training camp involving Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas militants. The department framed these events as evidence of alignment with designated terrorist organizations.
Operational links highlighted in official records
- Cross-border attacks: State Department fact sheet references rocket launches from Lebanon after October 2023 in coordination with Hamas and Hizballah.
- Training infrastructure: Lebanese Army action in July 2025 cited by the State Department as dismantling a camp involving Hamas-linked militants.
Comments
Trump’s November 2025 executive order states that the Muslim Brotherhood chapters in Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt
“engage in or facilitate and support violence and destabilization campaigns that harm their own regions, United States citizens, and United States interests.”
In supporting legislation, Sen. John Cornyn argued:
“This bill rightfully directs the Secretary of State to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization and imposes strict sanctions against them and their proxies who chant ‘death to America,’ sending a clear message that their anti‑western agenda and threats to the American people and our allies will not be tolerated.”
Legal and financial effects of the designations
The State Department stated that FTO and SDGT designations block all property and interests in property of designated entities and individuals within U.S. jurisdiction. U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with sanctioned parties.
However, the department also noted that non-U.S. persons may face secondary sanctions risk for certain dealings. The designations take legal effect upon publication in the Federal Register, activating compliance obligations for financial institutions and businesses.
Wrapping Up
The State Department described the January 2026 designations as part of ongoing U.S. counterterrorism enforcement targeting groups linked to Hamas and related networks. The action applies established FTO and SDGT authorities to Muslim Brotherhood chapters in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan, immediately triggering financial and legal restrictions under U.S. law.
Sources: U.S. Department of State, The White House, Euromesco, Aljazeera, and U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources.
Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
