Lebanon expels Iranian ambassador amid escalating Israel-Hezbollah clashes
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Lebanon's government declared Iran's ambassador persona non grata, ordering him to leave by March 29 over violations of diplomatic norms, the Foreign Ministry announced.
The Lebanese Foreign Ministry also summoned Lebanese ambassador to Iran for consultations, signaling sharp bilateral strain. Tensions spike as Israeli airstrikes pound Lebanon in response to Hezbollah's early March cross-border attacks—ignited after a US-Israel operation killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Strikes have killed over 1,072, injured nearly 3,000, and displaced 1.5 million from southern Lebanon. Israel targets Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC); Tehran admits four nationals died but calls them civilians.
The moves expose rifts between Beirut and Iran-backed Hezbollah, ordered to disarm under a November 2024 ceasefire—contingent on Israel's Lebanon withdrawal. Hezbollah resists, citing ongoing Israeli presence.
Lebanese leaders blame Iran's IRGC meddling for dragging the country deeper into war. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Denise Rahme said the expulsion reflects "growing frustration" with Tehran's regional military sway.
Israel frames its actions as essential against Hezbollah and IRGC threats. As diplomacy frays, observers watch for ripple effects on Lebanon's stability and the Middle East.