The government of Lebanon has formally ordered Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Reza Rouf Shibani to leave the country by Sunday, March 29, 2026, marking a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between Beirut and Iran.

In a reciprocal move, Lebanon has recalled its ambassador Ahmad Sweidan from Tehran for consultations.

Earlier, on March 24, 2026, Lebanon’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants had declared Shibani persona non grata, citing multiple violations of diplomatic norms.

Key allegations against the ambassador include allegedly directing Iranian Revolutionary Guard instructions to Hezbollah for use against Israel, making public statements interfering in Lebanese domestic politics, and meeting unofficial parties without coordination with Lebanon’s foreign ministry.

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Despite the expulsion, Lebanon has clarified that this does not sever diplomatic relations completely. The Iranian embassy in Beirut will remain operational, led by Chargé d’Affaires Tawfiq Samadi Khushkho in the absence of the ambassador.

The decision comes amid intense regional conflict and domestic pressure to limit the influence of Iranian-backed groups.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam criticized Tehran, accusing it of dragging Lebanon into a destructive conflict with Israel without the government’s consent.

As part of additional security measures, Lebanon has reportedly suspended visa-free entry for Iranian citizens.

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The expulsion marks one of the most significant diplomatic escalations between Lebanon and Iran in recent years, highlighting growing domestic and regional concerns over foreign influence and Hezbollah’s military actions.