United States Designates Muslim Brotherhood Branches in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon as Terrorist Organizations

In a major foreign policy shift with global implications, the United States government has designated three branches of the Muslim Brotherhood — in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon — as terrorist organisations, imposing sanctions and legal restrictions on their activities, officials announced this week. The move underscores Washington’s hardening stance against groups it considers linked to extremist violence and destabilising regional behaviour. 

The decision was jointly announced by the U.S. Departments of State and the Treasury, backed by an executive order issued in November 2025 that authorised the designation of specific Muslim Brotherhood chapters under U.S. counterterrorism laws. 

What the Designations Mean

Under U.S. law, the designations carry significant legal consequences:

The Lebanese branch has been labelled a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) — a designation that criminalises providing any material support to the group and can result in asset freezes, travel bans, and other penalties. 

The Egyptian and Jordanian branches have been listed as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) by the Treasury Department — effectively restricting their financial dealings and subjecting them to sanctions targeting resources and networks. 

By imposing the FTO label on the Lebanese chapter and SDGT status on the Egyptian and Jordanian arms, the U.S. is signalling that it views these specific Muslim Brotherhood entities as posing a threat to American interests and regional stability. 

Why the U.S. Took This Step

According to U.S. officials, the decision stems from allegations that these chapters have engaged in activity that “supports terrorism” or facilitates violence through associations with militant groups such as Hamas. In particular:

The Treasury cited links between the Jordanian and Egyptian Brotherhood chapters and support for Hamas, which is designated a terrorist organisation by the U.S. government. 

The State Department highlighted alleged collaboration by the Lebanese branch with militant actors in the region, maintaining that these actions threaten U.S. security interests. 

This action follows a November 2025 executive order by President Donald Trump directing the government to identify and designate certain Muslim Brotherhood chapters as part of broader counterterrorism strategy. 

Legal and International Impacts

The designation as an FTO means it is illegal under U.S. law to provide material support to the Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood branch, and it allows the U.S. to pursue sanctions and legal action against individuals and entities associated with the group. Sanctions under the SDGT label similarly target financial networks and economic resources linked to the Egyptian and Jordanian chapters. 

Experts say this move could have wider diplomatic repercussions, especially with countries in the Middle East where the Muslim Brotherhood has longstanding political influence or has been recognised differently under local law.

The action may also affect coordination with Qatar, Turkey and other nations where Brotherhood affiliates have political or social presence, potentially complicating diplomatic relations. 

Criticism and Controversy

The Muslim Brotherhood itself is a complex transnational movement that began in Egypt in 1928 and has chapters and affiliated movements across the Middle East and beyond. While some governments view the organisation as a political movement, others see it as a destabilising force — a divide reflected in this latest U.S. policy shift. 

Critics of the designation argue it could:

Harm diplomatic relations

Raise concerns about free political expression

Blur lines between peaceful political activism and violent extremism

Supporters say the move strengthens counterterrorism efforts and cuts off avenues of financial support to militancy.

Conclusion: A Strategic Message From Washington

The U.S. designation of Muslim Brotherhood branches in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon as terrorist groups marks a clear escalation in the administration’s counterterrorism strategy. With legal penalties, sanctions and diplomatic consequences now in place, this action represents a significant redefinition of how Washington sees and deals with Islamist movements abroad.

As the geopolitical landscape evolves, the consequences of these designations — for regional stability, diplomatic relations, and global security policy — are likely to play out in the months and years ahead.

Sources: Major international outlets report on the development including Al Jazeera, AP and news agencies.