In the first political reaction after the Lebanese government’s decision to withdraw its approval for the appointment of the Iranian ambassador, “Mohammed Reza Shibani,” and declare him persona non grata, sources close to Sheikh Bahaa Rafik Hariri saw this step as “good but late,” stressing that it will not be sufficient unless it is followed by practical and decisive measures on the ground.
In the details of the matter, the sources commented via “vdlnews” on the decision to withdraw the Iranian ambassador’s accreditation and demand that he leave Lebanese territory no later than Sunday, March 29, 2026, in addition to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoning the Lebanese ambassador to Iran, “Ahmed Suwaidan,” for consultation, due to what the Lebanese state considered a violation by Tehran of diplomatic norms and the principles of dealing followed between countries.
The sources said: “They are fed by Hajj and the people are returning,” considering that this step is positive but “it came too late,” and that it will remain insufficient unless it is completed with practical and firm measures on the ground.
She added that what is currently required is not limited to diplomatic positions, but rather requires taking clear executive steps, most notably the pursuit of members of the Revolutionary Guard and the Quds Force present in Lebanon, who, as she put it, contribute to straining Lebanon’s relations with its Arab and international surroundings, and exacerbate the severity of internal crises.
The sources indicated that the information confirms the direct relationship between these elements and the launching of missiles towards Cyprus, which leads to Lebanon being involved in “futile wars in which it has no say or responsibility.”
These statements come in light of the escalation of internal debate about the nature of the relationship with Tehran and its effects on Lebanon’s regional position, especially after the unprecedented diplomatic step taken by the Lebanese government, which opened the door wide to political discussion about the next stage and the possibility of moving the confrontation from the diplomatic framework to broader measures.
