Lebanon files UN complaint accusing Iran of “blatant interference”

The Lebanese government has filed a strongly worded complaint with the United Nations, accusing Iran of abusing diplomatic immunity and interfering in Lebanon’s internal affairs, according to a letter sent in late April.

In the document cited by Fox News, Lebanon’s ambassador to the UN, Ahmad Arafa, alleged that Iran refused to recall its ambassador after Beirut demanded his expulsion and continued activities on Lebanese soil that violate state authority. The letter accuses Iran of inserting individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) into Lebanon “under the guise of diplomatic activity.”

Arafa stated that Iran committed “unlawful acts in blatant defiance of the decisions of the Government of Lebanon.” He added, “This Iranian conduct constitutes direct and blatant interference in the internal affairs of Lebanon and drags the country into a war it did not choose to become involved in.”

The complaint also targets Iran’s ambassador in Beirut, Mohammad Reza Sheibani, accusing him of “blatant interference” and citing violations of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

The development comes as US-facilitated talks between Israel and Lebanon continue in Washington. A State Department spokesperson said, “The United States facilitated talks between Israel and Lebanon have resumed today and are ongoing. The atmosphere of talks has been very positive, even exceeding expectations.”

State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott added, “On May 14 and 15, the United States hosted two days of highly-productive talks between Israel and Lebanon. The April 16 cessation of hostilities will be extended by 45 days to enable further progress.” He further noted that negotiations will continue in early June, alongside a separate security track at the Pentagon.

Analysts say the Lebanese complaint may signal a shift in Beirut’s posture toward Iran, though divisions remain. Walid Phares said, “Many have considered the Lebanese memo to the U.N. as the start of the Lebanese government change of attitude towards Iran and a sign of escalation by Beirut. While the tone of the letter and its narrative make people feel that there is a government resistance to Iran and Hezbollah reality is still lesser.”

By Tamilla Hasanova