Lebanon files UN complaint accusing Iran of internal interference

Lebanon’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has submitted a complaint to the United Nations Security Council accusing Iran of interfering in the country’s internal affairs and drawing it into a conflict with Israel against the will of its constitutional institutions.

Ahmad Arafa, Lebanon’s UN ambassador, said in the complaint that Beirut is seeking to hold Iran internationally accountable for repeated violations of its obligations and actions deemed contrary to international law, including involvement in a devastating war that caused thousands of deaths, widespread displacement, extensive destruction, and territorial losses.

The complaint cites actions by Iranian institutions, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which violated decisions of the Lebanese government.

The diplomat added that in Lebanon, thousands have been killed and injured, over one million people have been displaced, unprecedented material damage has been caused, and Israel has occupied parts of Lebanese territory, where it has established security zones.

The complaint also claims that Tehran ignored Lebanese authorities’ decision to expel Iran’s ambassador Mohammad Reza Sheibani, who was declared persona non grata, in violation of the Vienna Convention.

This move by Beirut is aimed at strengthening the country’s international standing and restoring full sovereignty over its security affairs, the report added.

By Jeyhun Aghazada