Washington, Jan 14 (V7N) — The United States has designated the Muslim Brotherhood, a major political organization operating across the Middle East, as a terrorist organization through an executive order issued by President Donald Trump.

According to a report by Qatar-based media outlet Al Jazeera, the decision was taken on allegations that the group supports Hamas and engages in activities deemed contrary to Israel’s interests in the Middle East.

Following the executive order, the US Treasury Department listed branches of the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan and Egypt as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). Meanwhile, the Brotherhood’s Lebanese affiliate has been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), a more severe classification under US law.

In a statement, the US Treasury Department claimed that although the Muslim Brotherhood’s various branches portray themselves as social and political organizations, they “clearly support terrorist groups such as Hamas.”

The Trump administration said the move aims to curb financial and logistical support for extremist activities in the region.

However, the Muslim Brotherhood has strongly rejected the allegations. Salah Abdel Haq, executive head of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, termed the decision “illegal” and said it would harm millions of Muslims worldwide.

“The Muslim Brotherhood has never provided financial or any other support to terrorist organizations,” he said, adding that the group would challenge the decision through legal means.

He further alleged that political pressure from Israel and the United Arab Emirates played a role in influencing Washington’s decision.

Following the designation, financial assistance to the listed organizations has been banned, and economic sanctions will be imposed to sever their funding channels. Members of the Lebanese group designated as an FTO will also be barred from entering the United States.

The Muslim Brotherhood is already banned or designated as a terrorist organization in several countries, including Egypt. Founded in 1928 by Islamic scholar Hassan al-Banna, the organization has operated for decades across the Middle East and beyond through political parties, charities, and social movements.

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