Lebanon has withdrawn accreditation from the Iranian ambassador and declared him persona non grata, demanding his departure by Sunday. The move comes amid escalating tensions and ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon, prompted by a cross-border attack by Hezbollah on March 2.
Lebanese-Iranian Diplomatic Dispute
The Lebanese Foreign Ministry also summoned the Lebanese ambassador to Iran for consultations, citing violations of diplomatic norms and established practices by Tehran.
The decision follows continued Israeli military operations in Lebanon, including air strikes and a ground offensive in the south. Lebanese authorities report at least 1,072 people have been killed and 2,966 injured in Israeli attacks since March 2. Over 1.5 million Lebanese people have been displaced from the country’s southern region due to evacuation orders.
Recent reports indicate at least three people were killed in targeted assassinations overnight in Beirut. The Israeli military stated it targeted members of the Quds Force, the foreign unit of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Israel has previously claimed to target the IRGC in Lebanon.
Iran acknowledged the deaths of four Iranians in a targeted strike at a hotel early in the conflict, but described them as civilians.
The current conflict builds upon the aftermath of the 2023-24 war, where over one million people were displaced and have been unable to return home. Israeli forces continue to occupy Lebanese territory and conduct attacks.
Hezbollah initiated cross-border attacks on Israel in October 2023 in solidarity with the people of Gaza, which was under heavy Israeli bombardment. Israel subsequently invaded southern Lebanon after nearly a year of cross-border fire, leading to a ceasefire in November 2024.
The November 2024 agreement stipulated Hezbollah’s disarmament and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from inside Lebanon. However, Hezbollah has refused to disarm, demanding Israel’s complete withdrawal from Lebanese territory. The group honored the 2024 ceasefire despite reported Israeli violations.
The Lebanese government banned Hezbollah’s military activities on March 2.
Lebanon has responded to the Israeli attacks by firing dozens of rockets into Israel, opening another front in the conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran. Hezbollah is part of the “axis of resistance” backed by Tehran, which also includes the Houthi group in Yemen and armed groups in Iraq.
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
