BERLIN — US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on Germany on Friday to ban Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah group, which the US has designated a terrorist organization.

Pompeo, who is on a five-day European tour, made the statement after his meeting with his German counterpart Heiko Maas.

Pompeo said he hoped that Germany would “follow Britain’s example” and ban Hezbollah.

Britain in February announced its decision to proscribe Hezbollah completely, whereas it had previously deemed only the group’s “military” wing a terrorist entity.

Pompeo’s visit to Germany had originally been scheduled for earlier this month but was postponed in light of recent tensions with Iran. He is also traveling to the Netherlands and Britain.

Meanwhile in another development, US special envoy for Iran, Brian Hook, said on Thursday that Hezbollah is showing signs it is not in strong financial health. — Agencies