Beirut: The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced its decision to withdraw approval for the accreditation of Iranian ambassador-designate Mohammad Reza Sheibani. This move, however, does not equate to the severance of diplomatic relations with Iran.

According to Qatar News Agency, the Ministry's decision is grounded in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961. The action was taken against Sheibani for allegedly breaching diplomatic norms, specifically referencing Article 41 of the Convention, which mandates that diplomats must refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of the host nation.

The Ministry highlighted that Sheibani had made remarks concerning Lebanese internal politics and government decisions. Additionally, he reportedly engaged in meetings with non-official Lebanese entities without prior coordination with the Ministry.

Despite this decision, the Lebanese Foreign Ministry reiterated its commitment to fostering strong relations with Iran and other countries, emphasizing the principles of mutual respect and non-interference.