Beirut: Lebanon's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday summoned Iran's charg© d'affaires, Tawfiq Samadi Khoshkou, who was received by Secretary-General Ambassador, Abdel Sattar Issa, and informed him of the state's decision to withdraw approval for the accreditation of Iranian ambassador-designate Mohammad Reza Sheibani, declaring him persona non grata and requesting his departure by March 29, 2026.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the Lebanese government also recalled its ambassador to Iran, Ahmad Sweidan, for consultations. This move comes amidst allegations that Sheibani violated diplomatic norms as stipulated under the Vienna Convention.
In a statement, the ministry clarified that the decision, based on Article 9 of the Vienna Convention, does not constitute a severing of diplomatic relations, but rather a measure against the envoy for breaching diplomatic norms. It cited Article 41, noting that diplomats must not interfere in internal affairs.
The ministry said Sheibani made statements commenting on Lebanon's internal politics and government decisions, and held meetings with non-official Lebanese parties without coordination with the ministry. This action was perceived as interference, prompting the Lebanese government to react strongly.
Lebanon's Foreign Ministry reaffirmed the country's commitment to maintaining balanced relations based on mutual respect and non-interference, emphasizing the importance of adhering to international diplomatic standards.