Lebanon declares Iranian ambassador persona non grata amid Israeli attacks

Lebanon has officially revoked the status of the Iranian ambassador, declaring him persona non grata, and has ordered him to leave the country by Sunday, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. The ministry also called back the Lebanese ambassador to Iran for discussions, citing Tehran's breach of diplomatic standards and established practices between Lebanon and Iran. This announcement from the Lebanese Foreign Ministry effectively ends the official recognition of the Iranian ambassador, necessitating his immediate departure. This expulsion represents a rare but important diplomatic action by Lebanon against Iran, a nation that has long had significant sway over Lebanese matters, especially through political and security ties. This decision comes as the Israeli military continues its airstrikes on Lebanon and advances its ground operations in the southern region, following a Hezbollah cross-border attack on March 2, which was a response to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran-supported Hezbollah had maintained a ceasefire agreement with Israel established in November 2024, even though Israel repeatedly violated it. Lebanese officials report that at least 1,039 individuals have died and 2,876 have been injured due to the Israeli assaults.