Lebanon expels Iran's ambassador, recalls envoy from Tehran

Lebanon withdrew accreditation of Iran's ambassador Tuesday and declared him "persona non grata" over what it described as violations of diplomatic norms and protocols between the two countries. The move marks a significant escalation in tensions between Beirut and Tehran.

Diplomatic expulsion

In a statement, the Lebanese Foreign Ministry said Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Reza Shibani has until March 29 to leave the country. Lebanese Ambassador to Iran, Ahmad Sweidan, was also recalled to Beirut for consultations. The ministry cited "violations by Tehran of established diplomatic norms and protocols" as the reason for the decision, without providing specific details.

Conflict backdrop

The diplomatic rupture comes amid intensifying Israeli military operations in Lebanon. Since Iran-backed Hezbollah launched a cross-border attack on March 2, Israel has pounded Lebanon with airstrikes and launched a ground offensive in the south. Lebanese authorities report at least 1,039 people killed and 2,876 injured in Israeli attacks since the escalation began.

Wider regional context

The current escalation is part of a broader conflict sparked by the joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran launched Feb. 28, which has killed more than 1,340 people including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. Beirut's expulsion of Iran's envoy suggests tensions between Tehran and its Lebanese ally may be straining as the war expands.