President Extends Lebanon National Emergency for One Year
U.S. agencies retain IEEPA authority concerning Lebanon through Aug. 1, 2027
On July 29, 2026, the President issued a notice continuing the national emergency with respect to Lebanon for one year, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)). The notice was published in the Federal Register (Vol. 91, No. 146, page 48753) and filed as FR Doc 2026-15658 on July 30, 2026 at 11:15 a.m.
The emergency, first declared on August 1, 2007 by Executive Order 13441 under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), cited an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to U.S. national security and foreign policy posed by actions that undermine Lebanon's legitimate, democratically elected government and its institutions. The notice reiterates that Iran's continuing arms transfers to Hezbollah - including increasingly sophisticated weapons systems - and Iran's funding and influence over Hezbollah serve to undermine Lebanese sovereignty, contribute to political and economic instability in the region, and constitute the same extraordinary threat.
By extending the emergency beyond August 1, 2026, the President preserves the IEEPA authorities granted to U.S. agencies for measures directed at Lebanon until August 1, 2027. The continuation is limited to a one-year period as required by the National Emergencies Act.
The notice states that it shall be transmitted to the Congress, fulfilling the statutory requirement for congressional notification of extensions of national emergencies.