Iran says its expelled ambassador won’t leave Lebanon as political tensions soar
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Iran has refused to comply with Lebanon’s expulsion order for its ambassador Mohammad Reza Shibani, stating he will remain in Beirut despite the Sunday deadline to leave.
- Lebanon declared the ambassador persona non grata in an effort to curb Iran’s influence amid escalating conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, but Iran insists its embassy remains active.
- The conflict has intensified after Hezbollah, backed by Iran, fired rockets into Israel, prompting Israeli military retaliation in southern Lebanon and Beirut, resulting in over 1,200 deaths and massive displacement.
- Lebanon recently banned military activities by Hezbollah and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, leading to strong condemnation from Hezbollah and pressure from Iran on Lebanese officials to reverse the decisions.
- The diplomatic rift complicates Lebanon’s fragile internal politics and efforts by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to disarm Hezbollah without provoking further conflict.
