Lebanon’s foreign minister has delayed processing the credentials of Iran’s newly appointed ambassador, the Lebanese pro-Hezbollah daily Al-Akhbar reported, marking the latest escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
The newspaper said Lebanon appointed Ahmad Suwaydan as its new ambassador to Iran in October, after which Tehran put forward its corresponding envoy.
However, Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji has so far refused to submit the Iranian ambassador's credentials to the cabinet, forward them to the presidency or notify Iran of Lebanon’s approval, the report said.
On Friday, Raji told Al Jazeera that Iran’s role in Lebanon and the wider region has fueled instability, while stressing that Beirut remains open to talks with Tehran if it stops supporting Hezbollah and end what he called its interference in Beirut's affairs.
“Iran’s role in Lebanon and the region has been very negative,” he said. “We have a problem with Iran, but we are open to dialogue, provided it stops interfering in our internal affairs and halts funding an illegal organization in Lebanon.”
Iran has long backed Hezbollah and has resisted international and domestic calls for the group to disarm, arguing that continued Israeli actions justify its armed presence.
Raji’s refusal to process the Iranian ambassador's credentials followed a diplomatic exchange with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who earlier this month invited his Lebanese counterpart to visit Tehran. Raji declined the invitation, citing unfavorable conditions, and proposed meeting in a neutral third country.
In response, Araghchi said he understood Lebanon’s position given ongoing Israeli actions and said he would accept an invitation to visit Beirut. He said Iran also seeks “a new chapter” in relations based on mutual respect and sovereignty.
