The United States has welcomed Egypt’s decision to permanently designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist entity, praising the move as an important step in cutting off the group’s financial resources and combating extremism.

Massad Boulos, U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs, issued the statement on X on Saturday, November 14.

Egypt’s Public Prosecution formalized the permanent listing through its Office for Regulating Lists of Terrorist Entities and Terrorists. The decision was published in the official legal gazette on November 8, replacing earlier time-limited designations. The permanent status triggers asset freezes, bans on the group’s activities, and related restrictions under Egyptian law.

Building on earlier U.S. actions

The development builds on earlier U.S. actions. In January 2026, the Treasury Department designated the Egyptian and Jordanian branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as Specially Designated Global Terrorists, citing material support to Hamas. The State Department simultaneously designated the Lebanese branch as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

Egypt’s long campaign

Egypt has long classified the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization following the group’s ouster from power in 2013. Cairo has maintained a sustained campaign against it, citing its record of violence and efforts to undermine state institutions.

The U.S. statement underscores continued alignment between Washington and Cairo on counterterrorism priorities in the region.

Khurram Ali Raza

Khurram Ali Raza reports for the World Desk at Faith & Freedom News (FFN), covering international affairs, security and diplomacy.