Beirut, Lebanon – Web Desk: Lebanon has declared Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Reza Sheibani persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country, escalating diplomatic tensions amid growing regional instability.
According to Arab media reports, Lebanon’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has given the Iranian envoy until March 29 to exit the country, warning that further measures could follow if the directive is not complied with.
The statement added that the Iranian embassy in Beirut will continue to operate, but diplomatic representation will be downgraded with a chargé d’affaires replacing the ambassador.
In a reciprocal move, Lebanon has also recalled its ambassador to Iran, Ahmad Suwaidan, for consultations. Officials suggested Tehran could respond with similar action against Lebanese diplomats.
Lebanese authorities accused Hezbollah of drawing the country into regional conflict, describing the group as an Iranian proxy involved in escalating tensions linked to the wider US-Israel-Iran confrontation.
A senior government source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Hezbollah has effectively dragged Lebanon into the ongoing conflict at Iran’s direction, worsening domestic security risks.
The Lebanese government hopes the move will help curb Hezbollah’s growing influence within the country’s political and security landscape.
Lebanon has previously directed its armed forces to develop a plan to disarm Hezbollah within a year, reflecting increasing pressure from international partners amid regional instability.
