On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the United States executed a definitive shift in its Middle East policy. The government officially applied a Muslim Brotherhood terrorist designation to the group’s branches in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan.
This move effectively severs these organizations from the global economy. Consequently, it fulfills a persistent demand from American conservatives and specific Arab allies.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the immediate enforcement of these measures. The designation triggers a “maximum pressure” campaign designed to dismantle the movement’s operational capabilities.
Economic Fallout and Sanctions
The legal repercussions are sweeping. American territory is now off-limits for any property or funds belonging to these specific branches.
Furthermore, conducting business with these factions is now a criminal offense for US entities.
The strategy relies heavily on secondary sanctions. Foreign banks processing transactions for these groups risk total exclusion from the US financial system.
Triggers for the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation
US officials cite regional instability following the October 7, 2023, attacks as the primary catalyst. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent outlined specific allegations of material support for violence.
According to the Treasury, the Egyptian and Jordanian branches funneled critical financial aid to Hamas.
Meanwhile, the situation in Lebanon presents a different threat. Intelligence reports suggest the Sunni-based branch aligned with Hezbollah to facilitate rocket strikes against Israel.
In Jordan, the threat was internal. Authorities there had already banned the group by April 2025 following the discovery of drone assembly plots and weapon stockpiles.
Reactions from Cairo to the Courts
The diplomatic fallout has been swift and polarized. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry immediately praised the move, calling it a “pivotal step.”
Cairo has long argued that the Brotherhood serves as the ideological engine for modern extremism.
Conversely, the targeted Egyptian branch vehemently rejected the label. In a formal statement, they vowed to fight the ruling in court.
The group argued that the designation is “disconnected from reality.” They further alleged that Washington bowed to external pressure from the UAE and Israel.
Geopolitical Ripple Effects
Experts warn that this decision forces US partners into a difficult corner.
Lorenzo Vidino, an expert on the movement, noted the pressure this places on nations like Turkey and Qatar. These countries must now choose between hosting the group or maintaining smooth relations with Washington.
Historical Context of the Movement
The Muslim Brotherhood was established in Egypt in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna. The organization originally sought to create a unified Islamic caliphate governed by Sharia law.
Their political influence peaked decades later in 2012. Mohamed Morsi ascended as Egypt’s first democratically elected president following the Arab Spring.
However, his rule ended abruptly in 2013. General Abdel Fattah al-Sissi led the military overthrow of Morsi’s government.
A severe crackdown followed, driving many leaders into exile in Turkey. The 2026 designation marks the culmination of this century-long struggle for legitimacy.
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