In response to the possibility of imposing sanctions on Lebanese Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller revealed that Washington is “studying and utilizing all available diplomatic tools.”

Miller stated in his daily press briefing, “As a general practice, we do not discuss any potential sanctions, but I will say that the administration is studying and utilizing all available diplomatic tools to encourage Lebanese politicians to reach consensus and elect a president as soon as possible.”
In response to a question from Al-Hurra regarding whether the US State Department is grateful to Lebanese Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, who was contacted earlier this week by Assistant Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland, and thanked for his willingness to try to maintain quorum in the Parliament and hold an open session on Wednesday to elect a president (which he failed to achieve), Miller stated, “We were disappointed with this outcome.”
Regarding whether the United States considers the Lebanese Speaker of Parliament as a friend or ally, Miller responded, “I will not answer that question other than to say: we generally do not endorse or comment on specific political figures or parties out of respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty. We will work with any government chosen by the Lebanese people.”