Lebanon Declares Iranian Envoy Persona Non Grata
3/24/2026 4:20:30 PM
Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday summoned Iran’s chargé d’affaires, Tawfiq Samadi Khoshkou, to deliver a formal notification: the Lebanese government has withdrawn approval for the accreditation of Iranian ambassador-designate Mohammad Reza Sheibani, declaring him persona non grata and demanding his departure by March 29, 2026. The meeting was held with Secretary-General Ambassador Abdel Sattar Issa.
In a reciprocal move, Lebanon has recalled its ambassador to Iran, Ahmad Sweidan, for consultations.
The ministry emphasized that the decision, grounded in Article 9 of the Vienna Convention, does not sever diplomatic relations but is a response to violations of diplomatic norms. According to Article 41, diplomats are prohibited from interfering in the internal affairs of the host state.
Lebanese authorities said Sheibani had publicly commented on Lebanon’s domestic politics and government decisions, and had met with non-official Lebanese parties without coordinating with the Foreign Ministry.
The ministry reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to balanced, respectful, and non-interfering diplomatic relations, signaling that the move is targeted at the individual envoy rather than bilateral ties.
In a reciprocal move, Lebanon has recalled its ambassador to Iran, Ahmad Sweidan, for consultations.
The ministry emphasized that the decision, grounded in Article 9 of the Vienna Convention, does not sever diplomatic relations but is a response to violations of diplomatic norms. According to Article 41, diplomats are prohibited from interfering in the internal affairs of the host state.
Lebanese authorities said Sheibani had publicly commented on Lebanon’s domestic politics and government decisions, and had met with non-official Lebanese parties without coordinating with the Foreign Ministry.
The ministry reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to balanced, respectful, and non-interfering diplomatic relations, signaling that the move is targeted at the individual envoy rather than bilateral ties.