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Lebanon has declared Iran’s ambassador persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country by March 29, citing violations of diplomatic norms, according to official statements.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Denise Rahme told The Associated Press that Tehran’s diplomatic representative must depart within the specified timeframe, while the Iranian Embassy will continue operating under a charge d’affaires.
In a written statement, Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry said Iranian Ambassador Mohammed Reza Sheybani was summoned to the ministry, where his accreditation was revoked and he was formally declared persona non grata.
Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi said he had instructed the secretary-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants to summon the Iranian Charge d’Affaires in Beirut to convey the decision.
Raggi said the move included withdrawing the agrement for the designated Iranian ambassador, declaring him persona non grata and requesting that he leave Lebanese territory no later than March 29, 2026.
The ministry statement said the ambassador had been given a deadline of March 29 to leave Lebanese territory.
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Lebanon also recalled its ambassador to Tehran, Ahmed Suwaydan, for consultations, citing what it described as Iran’s violations of diplomatic norms and established practices between the two countries.
Officials said the Iranian diplomatic mission in Beirut will remain operational, led by a charge d’affaires.
The expulsion marks a culmination of deteriorating relations between Lebanon and Iran since the Israel-Hezbollah war in 2024.
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