BEIRUT: A deadline for the Iranian ambassador-designate to leave the country set by Lebanon expired on Sunday, with no confirmation that Mohammad Reza Shibani had departed.
The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs last week withdrew Shibani’s accreditation and declared him persona non grata, citing “statements considered interference in Lebanon’s internal politics.”
An official source told Arab News that Shibani could legally remain inside the Iranian embassy due to diplomatic immunity.
“If Shibani stays within the embassy grounds, he is permitted to do so, as the embassy is considered Iranian territory and those inside it are protected,” the source said.
“However, if he leaves, he will be in violation of Lebanese law and must be deported. Similar cases have occurred elsewhere, including that of Julian Assange.”
