• The US has designated Muslim Brotherhood branches in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan as terrorist organizations.
• The Lebanese branch is classified as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), while the others are designated as specially designated global terrorists.
• The decision follows an executive order from President Trump and is intended to curb the groups’ alleged support for violence and destabilization.
• These actions may affect US diplomatic relations with countries like Qatar and Turkey, where the Brotherhood is active.
• The designations also enforce strict penalties against individuals and entities that support these organizations.

The United States has designated the Egyptian, Lebanese, and Jordanian branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations, a decision confirmed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This is part of a broader initiative aimed at combating groups that are perceived to threaten US interests, particularly in the Middle East, following an executive order from President Trump, according to Al Jazeera and Middle East Eye.

The US Treasury and State Departments have imposed economic sanctions on these groups. The Lebanese branch has been classified as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), while the Jordanian and Egyptian branches have been labeled as specially designated global terrorists due to their alleged support for Hamas. Rubio emphasized that these designations reflect a concerted effort to quell violence and destabilization, according to India Times and Middle East Eye.

The designations make it illegal to provide material support to the Muslim Brotherhood organizations and impose restrictions on their current and former members regarding entry into the United States. This comes as US officials have long accused these groups of engaging in or supporting violence, a claim the Muslim Brotherhood has repeatedly denied. Analysts suggest this policy might cause rifts with nations like Qatar and Turkey, where the Brotherhood is seen as a political movement rather than a terrorist organization. This duality may strain US diplomatic relations further, as noted by experts discussing the implications of this designation, according to Middle East Eye and India Times.

Founded in 1928, the Muslim Brotherhood is one of the largest and most established Islamic movements, with varied activities across the Middle East, aimed primarily at political reform based on Islamic principles. While denouncing violence in principle, the group has faced accusations from several governments, particularly after the military coup against President Mohamed Morsi in 2013 in Egypt, according to Al Jazeera, Middle East Eye, and India Times.