The United States is considering sanctions against Lebanese political, military and security figures accused of turning a blind eye to Hezbollah’s activities, although any measures could be delayed pending developments in the confrontation with Iran, the Lebanese newspaper Al-Liwaa reported, citing unofficial sources in Washington.

The potential targets include army officers, security officials and judges, the sources said, adding that Washington’s concerns had intensified following the seizure of explosives shipments. The individuals are accused of overlooking other shipments, as well as other activities linked to Hezbollah.

The sources said the sanctions would not be imposed immediately because the U.S. administration was waiting to see whether a military strike against Iran would take place.

If a strike triggers further military escalation, the measures could be postponed or even dropped, they said. If no strike occurs, Washington has a list of individuals who could be sanctioned, although the specific measures have not yet been determined.

The report also said the U.S. administration, particularly the State Department, was increasingly dissatisfied with the performance of Lebanon’s political leadership. That assessment was based on reports from the U.S. Embassy in Beirut and Lebanese figures whom President Joseph Aoun had previously described as “corrupt,” according to the sources.

Washington believes Lebanese authorities have withheld information or provided inaccurate accounts and have delayed implementing measures demanded by the United States, particularly those related to restricting weapons, the sources said. They added that the administration viewed the delays as an attempt to put off meeting those conditions until Trump’s term in office ends.

The State Department has also accused Lebanese Army Commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal of being “complicit with Hezbollah” and maintaining contacts with Qatari intelligence, the sources told Al-Liwaa, adding that there was considerable anger toward him.

The reported criticism may shed light on remarks Haykal made several days ago before senior officers from the army command and military units, in which he defended the military’s performance and rejected what he described as attempts to undermine its image.

“Some people, both at home and abroad, criticize the army’s work and assess its performance without having the slightest understanding of how the military institution operates. They are trying to tarnish its image, and such an attitude runs counter to national allegiance,” he said.

Haykal said the army was achieving major results despite operating beyond its capabilities, attributing its performance to the resilience of its personnel, their faith in the institution and the confidence Lebanese people placed in it.

“The army’s mission is a national one. Its only policy is the national interest,” he said, adding that its primary objectives were to preserve internal unity, stability and civil peace, safeguard national sovereignty and ensure the successful implementation of decisions taken by the political authorities.