US sanctions on Lebanon spark sharp response from Iran

Iran has condemned new US sanctions targeting its appointed ambassador to Lebanon and several Lebanese political and security figures, calling the measures unlawful and a violation of international norms.

In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry criticised the US Department of the Treasury for imposing sanctions on Mohammad Reza Raouf Sheibani, Tehran’s designated ambassador to Beirut, describing the move as unjustified and contrary to international law.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemns the illegal and unjustified actions of the US Department of the Treasury in imposing sanctions on Mohammad Reza Raouf Sheibani, the appointed ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Beirut. Iran regards this step as yet another example of lawlessness and disregard by the US ruling establishment for universally recognised principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, especially the fundamental principle of respect for the national sovereignty of states.”

The ministry also denounced US sanctions imposed on several members of Hezbollah in Lebanon’s parliament, officials affiliated with the Amal movement, and a number of Lebanese military and security personnel.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also strongly condemns the actions of the United States in imposing sanctions on a number of representatives of the Hezbollah movement in the Lebanese parliament, officials of the Amal movement, as well as several Lebanese military officials and members of the security services. These absurd steps are aimed at undermining Lebanon’s national sovereignty and inciting division within Lebanese society. They are yet another sign of the complicity of the US ruling establishment with the aggressive and occupying Zionist regime in continuing military aggression and committing heinous crimes against Lebanon. Undoubtedly, the various groups and confessions of the Lebanese people, by preserving unity and national cohesion, will defend the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon. By repelling aggression and putting an end to the occupation by the Zionist regime in Lebanon, they will doom this regime to failure in achieving its sinister goals.”

Tehran added that it remains committed to strengthening its longstanding ties with Lebanon across multiple sectors.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to continue strengthening friendly and historical relations with the Lebanese Republic in various fields and in the interests of the peoples of both countries,” the statement said.

The response follows an announcement by the US State Department that it had imposed sanctions on nine individuals accused of helping Hezbollah “undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty and advance Iran’s interests in the country.”

By Tamilla Hasanova