The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates explained that “the decision to withdraw approval for the accreditation of the Iranian Ambassador, Muhammad Reza Raouf Shaibani, based on Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, is not considered a severance of diplomatic relations with Iran, but rather is a measure against the ambassador for violating the principles of diplomatic dealings and his obligations as an appointed ambassador to Lebanon.” She added in a statement: “Article 41 of the aforementioned agreement prohibits diplomats from interfering in the internal affairs of the countries to which they are accredited.” The Foreign Ministry pointed out that Ambassador Shibani made statements that interfered in Lebanon’s internal politics and evaluated the decisions taken by the government. In addition, he held meetings with unofficial Lebanese parties without going through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On the other hand, the Ministry affirmed that it “is always keen on maintaining the best friendly relations with the Iranian Republic and other countries, equal relations based on mutual respect and non-interference in the affairs of others.”