The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued the following statement:
“In light of what has been circulating on social media and in the media, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants wishes to clarify the following: The decision to withdraw approval for the appointment of the Iranian ambassador, Mohammad Reza Raouf Sheibani, in accordance with Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, does not constitute a severance of diplomatic relations with Iran. Rather, it is a measure taken against the ambassador due to his violation of diplomatic norms and obligations as an appointed envoy in Lebanon.
Article 41 of the aforementioned Convention prohibits diplomats from interfering in the internal affairs of the host country. Ambassador Sheibani made statements that interfered in Lebanon’s internal politics and assessed decisions taken by the government. In addition, he held meetings with unofficial Lebanese parties without going through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Ministry also affirms its constant commitment to maintaining the best relations of friendship with the Islamic Republic of Iran and other countries—relations based on mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs.”
