Lebanon

Líbānèn

黎巴嫩

to expel / to drive out

qūzhú

驱逐

Iran

Yīlǎng

伊朗

ambassador

dàshǐ

大使

，

accusing him of

zhǐ qí

指其

to interfere in

gānshè

干涉

domestic affairs

nèizhèng

内政

。

New Words

News in English

Lebanon Declares Iranian Ambassador Persona Non Grata for Interfering in Domestic Affairs

Lebanon declared the Iranian ambassador persona non grata on March 24, 2026, accusing him of interfering in domestic affairs. Analysts view the move as an important signal of Lebanon seeking to distance itself from Iranian influence and protect national sovereignty.

On March 24, 2026, Lebanon's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the revocation of Iran's ambassador to Lebanon, Mohammad Reza Sheibani's diplomatic credentials, declaring him persona non grata.

The Lebanese side, based on Article 41 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, accused the ambassador of interfering in Lebanese domestic affairs and meeting with unofficial political actors.

The Iranian ambassador was required to leave Lebanon by March 29.

Previously, Iran-backed Hezbollah launched armed attacks against Israel, leading to continuous deterioration of tensions in the region.

Lebanon's move triggered strong condemnation from Hezbollah, with the organization stating the action was reckless and lacked legal justification.

However, Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs subsequently stated that its ambassador would continue to remain stationed at the embassy and fulfill diplomatic duties in accordance with the law.

This diplomatic incident marks Lebanon's effort to safeguard its own sovereignty and independent stance amid regional conflict.

Analysts pointed out that this event reveals Iran's strategy to infiltrate Lebanese politics through proxy armed groups is increasingly facing internal resistance.

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