Lebanon expels Iranian designated ambassador and escalates diplomatic tensions in the region. The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the decision to withdraw accreditation to Mohammad Reza Sheibani, giving him a deadline until Sunday, March 29, 2026 to leave the country.
Official statement from Minister Youssef Raggi
The minister Youssef Raggi announced the measure in a public statement. He summoned the Iranian charge d'affaires to inform him that Sheibani is now persona non grata. This action reflects a break in bilateral relations, exacerbated by recent events in the Middle East.
Background of diplomatic tensions between Lebanon and Iran
The decision comes after the initial ban on activities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Lebanon, at the beginning of the regional war. Additionally, Lebanese authorities demanded visas for Iranian citizens to enter the territory. Iran responded symmetrically, withdrawing the Lebanese ambassador in Tehran.
Historical and regional context
The relations between both countries have been volatile for years. Iran supports groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon, which generates friction with the government of Beirut. Experts in international relations point out that this diplomatic tension intensifies due to recent attacks, such as Iran's attack on Israel that left wounded in Tel Aviv. According to verified reports, the IRGC has been key in proxy operations in the area, which Lebanon seeks to limit to preserve its sovereignty.
Analysts highlight that this escalation could affect Lebanese stability, already battered by economic crises and internal conflicts. UN Security Council data indicates that previous sanctions against the IRGC have complicated diplomatic dynamics in the region since 2019.
- Withdrawal of accreditation to Sheibani: Immediate.
- Exit deadline: March 29, 2026.
- Iranian response: Reciprocal expulsion of the Lebanese ambassador.
The Lebanese Ministry did not detail specific reasons, but the timing coincides with pressures to neutralize external influences. This diplomatic tension underscores deep divisions in the Middle East, where alliances change rapidly.
In the context of this crisis, Lebanon expels the Iranian designated ambassador, marking a turning point in its ties with Tehran and fueling the diplomatic tension in general.
