Lebanon's General Security Directorate has extended the residency permit of Mohammad-Reza Sheibani, the former Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Beirut, for six months, an extension that strictly serves as permission to remain in the country and conveys no authorization to conduct diplomatic activities.
BBC Persian, citing Lebanese sources, reported that Sheibani's residency was renewed for six months under his status as a "former diplomat who previously served in Lebanon." The validity of his previous visa had expired on Monday, August 24.
According to these sources, the new permit merely allows Sheibani to reside in Lebanon as an ordinary foreign citizen, explicitly withholding any right to engage in diplomatic affairs.
Youssef Raji, Lebanon's Minister of Foreign Affairs, declared Sheibani persona non grata on March 24, 2026, and refused to approve his credentials. He accused the Islamic Republic's ambassador of "interfering in Lebanese internal affairs" and "violating established norms and rules governing diplomatic relations."
Following that decision, the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave Sheibani five days to leave the country. However, the Foreign Minister's directive met opposition from Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, both of which demanded its revocation.
