Iran's Mohammad Reza Sheibani seeks private residency in Lebanon

Mohammad Reza Sheibani, the Iranian diplomat appointed as ambassador to Lebanon, has reportedly applied for a six-month residency permit as a private foreign citizen. This development follows a period of heightened diplomatic tension between Beirut and Tehran.

In March, the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs withdrew its approval for Sheibani’s accreditation and declared him “persona non grata,” citing violations of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Specifically, he was accused of interfering in Lebanon’s internal affairs through unauthorized meetings and public comments regarding government decisions.

Following the expiration of his visa on August 24, discussions have emerged regarding a potential solution to allow him to remain in the country. One proposed option involves granting him a “courtesy residency” based on his status as a former diplomat who served in Lebanon between 2006 and 2009. While government sources indicate that this would not restore his official diplomatic status or privileges, political analysts have expressed concerns that such a move could undermine Lebanese sovereignty and signal continued Iranian influence over domestic decision-making.