The United States government on Tuesday officially designated three branches of the Muslim Brotherhood — located in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan — as terrorist organisations, in a move described by officials as a major step in countering extremist networks in the Middle East.

According to statements from the U.S. State Department and the Department of the Treasury, the Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood was classified as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) — the highest level under U.S. law — while the Egyptian and Jordanian branches were listed as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). These classifications immediately trigger broad sanctions, including freezing of assets, banning financial transactions, and criminalising support to these groups and their members.

U.S. authorities explained that the move followed a comprehensive review initiated by an executive order signed in November 2025, which directed agencies to assess whether Muslim Brotherhood affiliates should be formally designated as terrorist organisations.

Reasons For Designation:

• Officials accused the Brotherhood branches of supporting or facilitating violent attacks targeting U.S. allies in the Middle East.

• The Egyptian and Jordanian wings were said to have provided material support to Hamas, itself a U.S.-designated terrorist organisation.

• The Lebanese branch was alleged to have cooperated with Hezbollah in rocket attacks into Israel.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the designations reflect the U.S. commitment to prevent extremist activity and protect American interests abroad.

International Response:

• Egypt welcomed the U.S. move, describing it as a recognition of the Brotherhood’s extremist activities.

• Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other Gulf countries are expected to support Washington’s action.

• Analysts caution that the designations may strain relations with Turkey and Qatar, where the Brotherhood has political presence.

Background On The Muslim Brotherhood:

• Founded in 1928 in Egypt, the Brotherhood is one of the oldest Islamist movements with branches across the Middle East.

• The organisation has historically combined social services, political activism, and religious outreach, though some branches, such as Hamas, have been involved in armed resistance.

• The Brotherhood briefly held power in Egypt after the 2011 Arab Spring, but was ousted in 2013 and subsequently banned by the Egyptian government.

Implications Of The Designation:

• Any assets held by these branches in the United States are now blocked.

• Americans and U.S.-based organisations are prohibited from providing financial or logistical support.

• Experts view this as both a legal and symbolic move, reflecting Washington’s alignment with regional governments opposing the Brotherhood.

• Critics warn the designation could complicate diplomatic engagement with countries where the Brotherhood remains politically active.