In Lebanon, deadline looms for expelling Iran envoy amid Hezbollah pushback
The Lebanese Foreign Ministry’s decision to expel the Iranian ambassador to Beirut has exposed deep divisions among the political class as Iran-backed Hezbollah remains engaged in a war with Israel.
BEIRUT — Lebanon’s cabinet was set to convene on Thursday to discuss the foreign ministry's decision to expel Iran’s ambassador to Beirut, which set off a diplomatic crisis among the Lebanese political class.
What happened: On Tuesday, the Lebanese Foreign Ministry withdrew the accreditation of Ambassador Mohammad Reza Sheibani, declaring him persona non grata. It gave him until Sunday to leave the country. Sheibani has not left Beirut yet.
In a statement issued the same day, the ministry explained that the decision was based on Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, saying that Sheibani interfered in Lebanon’s internal affairs and made comments on decisions made by the Lebanese government.
The ministry stressed, however, that it remains keen to preserve “friendly relations” with Iran based on mutual respect and noninterference.
