Lebanon's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Tuesday that it has withdrawn accreditation from the Iranian ambassador and declared him persona non grata, demanding his departure from the country by Sunday. This decisive diplomatic move highlights a sharp deterioration in relations between the two nations amid ongoing regional instability.

The ministry also summoned the Lebanese ambassador to Iran for consultations, citing what it described as Tehran's violation of diplomatic norms and established practices between the countries. This action is seen as an effort by Lebanese authorities to express discontent with Iran's regional activities and assert a more independent foreign policy stance.

The decision comes as the Israeli military continues to conduct airstrikes on Lebanon and advances with a ground offensive in southern Lebanon following a cross-border attack by Hezbollah on March 2, which was in response to the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Lebanese authorities report that at least 1,039 people have been killed and 2,876 injured in Israeli attacks since the escalation began.

Iran-backed Hezbollah had adhered to a ceasefire agreement signed with Israel in November 2024, despite repeated violations by Israel. Lebanon's move risks further escalating regional tensions, as it directly challenges Iranian influence and could impact the fragile internal political dynamics within Lebanon.

Source: www.aljazeera.com