Backed by allies, Iran envoy refuses to leave

A diplomatic dispute between Lebanon and Iran has intensified after an Iranian envoy refused to leave the country despite an official order withdrawing his accreditation.

An Iranian diplomatic source said that Ambassador-designate Mohammad Reza Sheibani would remain in Lebanon, even after the deadline set by the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs expired on Sunday. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that the decision followed appeals from Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and the group Hezbollah, which had urged authorities to reverse their stance.

The development comes after Lebanon formally rescinded its approval of Sheibani’s appointment last week, declaring him persona non grata and instructing him to leave the country by 29 March 2026.

According to Lebanon’s National News Agency, the Foreign Ministry summoned Iran’s chargé d’affaires, Tawfiq Samadi Khoshkhou, where Secretary-General Ambassador Abdel Sattar Issa conveyed the government’s decision. The move was framed as a response to what Beirut described as a breach of diplomatic norms.

In a further escalation, Lebanon also recalled its ambassador to Iran, Ahmad Sweidan, for consultations, signalling growing strain in bilateral relations.

The standoff underscores mounting political sensitivities in Lebanon, where regional rivalries and internal alignments continue to shape the country’s diplomatic posture.