The United States is exerting pressure on top Lebanese officials to prevent Hezbollah and its allies from nominating the country's next finance minister, a move that signals Washington's broader effort to curtail the Iran-backed group's influence in Lebanon's fragile political landscape.

According to five individuals familiar with the matter, U.S. officials have directly conveyed their concerns to Lebanon's newly elected President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, warning that allowing Hezbollah or its Shiite ally, the Amal Movement, to maintain control over the Finance Ministry could jeopardize Lebanon's access to crucial international aid.

Hezbollah, which has long played a central role in Lebanon's power-sharing system, has traditionally influenced government formation alongside Amal, which has held the finance portfolio since 2014. The ministry wields significant authority over Lebanon's economic policies and public spending, making it a strategic post in a country still reeling from the catastrophic financial collapse of 2019 and the widespread destruction from last year's war with Israel.

Three sources told Reuters that the U.S. government is making its position clear: while Washington does not oppose a Shiite minister overseeing finance, it firmly rejects any appointment controlled by Hezbollah or Amal. "The U.S. is trying to put in place in Lebanon a post-Hezbollah order, and therefore it makes sense as far as they're concerned to deny Hezbollah and the Amal Movement the latitude to have a say on government policy," said Michael Young of the Carnegie Middle East Center.

The U.S. stance comes at a critical juncture, as Lebanon scrambles to form a new government following Aoun's election in January. The Lebanese president, who previously commanded the Lebanese Armed Forces, enjoys U.S. backing and is seen as a key figure in efforts to stabilize the nation. The pressure from Washington appears to be part of a broader strategy to capitalize on Hezbollah's weakened standing, particularly after months of conflict with Israel and shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region.

Three individuals with knowledge of U.S. diplomatic efforts said messages were delivered to Lebanese officials through various channels, including Massad Boulos, a Lebanese American businessman who served as a Middle East adviser to former President Donald Trump. While the White House and State Department have not publicly confirmed their role in the discussions, sources say the Biden administration remains committed to limiting Hezbollah's ability to shape government policy.

A source close to Hezbollah acknowledged "significant American pressure on Salam and Aoun to clip the wings of Hezbollah and its allies," describing the U.S. intervention as an attempt to reshape Lebanon's political landscape.

Lebanon's ability to secure foreign financial assistance-including aid from Gulf states and Western allies-may hinge on the composition of the new government. A source close to the Saudi royal court revealed that French, Saudi, and U.S. envoys have warned Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, the leader of Amal and a Hezbollah ally, that international funding is contingent on political reforms, including Hezbollah's diminished role in governance.

Berri, in an interview with U.S.-funded Arabic language broadcaster Al Hurra, stated that Amal had nominated former minister and lawmaker Yassin Jaber for the finance position. The announcement underscores the growing tensions over the cabinet formation process, as Hezbollah and Amal seek to retain influence despite mounting international pressure.

The political standoff has heightened divisions within Lebanon's sectarian power-sharing system, which mandates that the presidency be held by a Maronite Christian, the premiership by a Sunni Muslim, and the parliamentary speaker position by a Shiite Muslim. Cabinet posts are also allocated based on sect and political affiliation, further complicating negotiations.

The Christian Lebanese Forces Party, a vocal opponent of Hezbollah, has threatened to boycott the government if Hezbollah and Amal are allowed to retain control over key ministries. Meanwhile, France has signaled a more pragmatic approach, with French Foreign Ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine stating that Lebanon's government must be "strong and capable of bringing together all of Lebanon in all its diversity."