Beirut: Lebanese Foreign Minister Yousef Raggi announced on Thursday that Iranian officials must cease interference in Lebanon's internal affairs. He emphasized that normal diplomatic relations with Tehran's mission in Beirut could only resume once Iran respects Lebanon's sovereign decisions.

According to Anadolu Agency, Raggi made these remarks to Lebanese daily An-Nahar, specifically pointing out the interference by the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament as a recent example. He highlighted that respect for Lebanon's sovereignty is crucial for maintaining normal diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Raggi further stated that the reestablishment of normal ties with the Iranian mission would require Tehran to comply with Lebanon's decisions and show respect for the country's sovereignty and institutional verdicts. He insisted that any revival of diplomatic ties must adhere to established diplomatic rules and procedures.

Earlier in the week, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun underscored the necessity for 'state-to-state relations' with Iran, founded on mutual respect and non-interference in domestic matters. These statements arise amidst ongoing tensions between Beirut and Tehran, fueled by what Lebanon perceives as Iran's unwarranted involvement in its internal politics.

In March, Minister Raggi summoned Iran's charg© d'affaires to express Beirut's disapproval of statements that were deemed as a violation of Lebanon's national sovereignty and a breach of government decisions. Following this, Beirut declared the Iranian Ambassador, Mohammad Reza Shibani, persona non grata, citing violations of diplomatic norms by Tehran.