In a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, the United States government has formally designated three major Middle Eastern branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations, a move expected to reshape diplomatic and security dynamics in the region. On January 13, 2026, the Treasury Department and State Department announced that the Egyptian and Jordanian branches were listed as Specially Designated Global Terrorists and the Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood (known as al-Jamaa al-Islamiyah) was classified as both a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.
U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, cited allegations that these chapters support or facilitate violent actions, including ties to the Palestinian militant group Hamas and other destabilizing activities across the Middle East. The designations make it a criminal offense to provide material support to these groups and allow for broad economic sanctions aimed at choking off funding and international operations.
The decision follows a 2025 executive order directing senior U.S. officials to identify and act against Brotherhood affiliates deemed threats to U.S. security and allies. Egypt welcomed the designation, while analysts warn the move could strain relations with nations like Qatar and Turkey that have historical ties to the Brotherhood’s ideology and networks.
This policy reflects a broader U.S. counterterrorism strategy in the Middle East, targeting organizations Washington believes contribute to regional instability — a pivotal development in global security and diplomacy — news as reported.
