The United States government has designated the Lebanese, Jordanian, and Egyptian chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations, intensifying a longstanding regional debate over the group. Founded in Egypt in 1928, the Muslim Brotherhood has inspired Islamist political movements across the Middle East, with a history marked by both social activism and periods of militancy. While the group's leaders claim to have renounced violence, some offshoots have maintained armed wings, and its ideology remains divisive among Arab and Muslim nations.

The Brotherhood has played a significant role in the political history of several countries, at times facing severe crackdowns and being outlawed, particularly in Egypt after the ouster of President Mohammed Morsi in 2013. Its influence extends beyond Egypt, with branches involved in political and armed activities in places like Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine, where Hamas traces its roots to the group. Regional powers are sharply divided over the Brotherhood, with some supporting its ideology and others viewing it as a major threat to stability.

The recent United States designations target the Brotherhood's chapters for allegedly supporting violence and destabilization, including backing groups like Hamas. These moves could have significant implications for the group's activities and for political opposition movements in the region.