US leans on Beirut to curb Hezbollah sway in cabinet - Reuters

Washington is exhorting senior Lebanese officials to prevent Hezbollah or its allies from selecting the country's next finance minister, Reuters reported citing sources familiar with the matter.

Hezbollah has traditionally played a key role in forming the government, working alongside its Shi'ite ally the Amal Movement which has controlled Lebanon’s finance ministry since 2014.

US officials are keen to limit their influence as Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam assembles a new cabinet, Reuters reported.

The US is exerting significant pressure on both Salam and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to curb Hezbollah's power, Reuters cited a source close to the group as saying.

Lebanon could face difficulties securing foreign financial aid crucial for post-war reconstruction if Hezbollah or Amal were to select the next finance minister, Reuters reported citing other sources.

Washington’s intervention comes as Hezbollah’s position in the region has been shaken after over a year of combat with Israel.

Its key ally Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was toppled by Islamist militants, transforming the political landscape in Lebanon and the broader Middle East.

The damage from Israeli airstrikes last year was extensive, particularly in Shi'ite-majority areas where Hezbollah enjoys strong support.

While Hezbollah has urged international and regional powers to assist Lebanon’s rebuilding efforts, sources suggest that financial assistance is likely conditional on political changes—particularly the group’s diminished role in government.

Aoun’s presidency marks a shift from Iranian-backed dominance in Lebanon’s politics. Backed by factions seeking to reduce Hezbollah’s power, his election ended years of political paralysis and exposed the divide between Lebanon’s pro-Western and pro-Hezbollah blocs.

In his first parliamentary address, Aoun called for the Lebanese state to reclaim control over its military, signaling a challenge to Hezbollah. He said that his presidency would work towards ensuring the state had the exclusive right to bear arms—an implicit challenge to Hezbollah’s vast arsenal.

Iran’s embassy in Beirut congratulated Lebanon on Aoun’s election, expressing hope for stronger cooperation between the two nations. The statement did not address Hezbollah’s arms, reflecting the growing political tensions over the group’s future role in the country.