Iran condemns US sanctions on its envoy to Lebanon

Iran's Foreign Ministry on Friday strongly condemned the US Treasury Department's decision to sanction Tehran's designated ambassador to Lebanon, Mohammad Reza Sheibani, calling the move "illegal and unjustified" and accusing Washington of violating international law and the UN Charter.timesofisrael+2

The Sanctions

The US Treasury on Thursday designated nine individuals in Lebanon for obstructing the peace process and impeding the disarmament of Hezbollah. Among those targeted are Sheibani; Hezbollah-linked lawmakers Hassan Fadlallah, Ibrahim al-Moussawi, and Hussein al-Hajj Hassan; former MP and minister Mohammed Fneish; and Lebanese security officials.efe+3

The Treasury said those sanctioned had "materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support" for Hezbollah, or acted on its behalf. The action was taken under Executive Order 13224.treasury

Iran's Response

In a statement Friday, Iran's Foreign Ministry said it "strongly condemned the illegal and unjustified action of the US Treasury Department in sanctioning Mohammad Reza Raouf Sheibani, Iran's designated ambassador to Beirut". Tehran characterized the sanctions as further evidence of Washington's disregard for international norms.irna+2

Background

Sheibani's appointment has been a point of contention. Lebanon's Foreign Ministry earlier this year withdrew approval for his ambassadorial credentials, declared him persona non grata, and ordered him to leave the country by late March. Reports indicated he remained in Lebanon despite the expulsion order.facebook+2

The sanctions are the latest in a series of US actions targeting Hezbollah's financial and political networks in Lebanon. In February, the Treasury sanctioned operatives generating revenue for the group and exploiting Lebanon's cash economy. Thursday's designations represent a broader effort to pressure Hezbollah-aligned officials across Lebanon's political and security establishment.reuters+2