Iran slams US sanctions on envoy, Lebanese officials as ‘illegal’
Tehran says measures targeting ambassador to Beirut and Lebanese figures are aimed at inciting division and undermining Lebanon’s sovereignty
TEHRAN, Iran (MNTV) — Iran on Friday strongly condemned new U.S. sanctions targeting Lebanese citizens and officials, as well as Iran’s ambassador to Beirut, calling the measures “illegal and unjustified” and accusing Washington of attempting to incite division in Lebanon.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued the statement a day after the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on nine individuals in Lebanon, including Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Reza Sheibani, alleging they were helping the resistance movement Hezbollah “undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty.”
The ministry described the sanctions against Sheibani as “another example of the U.S. ruling administration’s rebellion and disregard for the indisputable principles of international law and the U.N. Charter, especially the fundamental principle of respecting the national sovereignty of states.”
Tehran also condemned sanctions imposed on Hezbollah representatives in the Lebanese parliament, officials affiliated with the Amal movement, and several Lebanese military and security figures.
“These despicable actions are aimed at weakening Lebanon’s national sovereignty and inciting sedition in Lebanese society,” the ministry said. “They are a sign of the continued complicity of the U.S. ruling administration with the aggressor and occupying Zionist regime in continuing military aggression and committing heinous crimes against Lebanon.”
Hezbollah also denounced the latest sanctions announced by the U.S. Departments of State and Treasury.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry said Lebanese groups would continue defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity through national unity and solidarity. It added that the Lebanese people would resist what it described as Israel’s “occupation and aggression.”
The ministry also reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to strengthening its “friendly and historical relations” with Lebanon in various sectors in line with the interests of both nations.
The sanctions come amid continued tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border despite a ceasefire announced on April 17 and extended through May 17.
According to Lebanese and regional reports, Israeli forces have continued carrying out near-daily airstrikes in parts of Lebanon and demolishing homes in several southern villages since the ceasefire took effect.
Lebanese authorities say more than 3,000 people have been killed and about 9,400 wounded in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2.
Israel continues to hold territory in southern Lebanon, including areas occupied for decades as well as zones captured during the 2023-2024 conflict, with reports indicating Israeli forces have advanced deeper into parts of the southern border region during the current hostilities.
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