Iran strongly condemns new US sanctions aimed at its ambassador to Lebanon

Tehran (ANTARA) - The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday (22/5) strongly condemned the new US sanctions targeting Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mohammad Reza Raouf Sheibani, and several Lebanese officials.

The condemnation was issued by the Iranian MFA a day after the US Department of the Treasury and the Department of State announced sanctions against nine individuals accused by Washington of helping Hizbullah to undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty.

The ministry also described the US sanctions as ‘ridiculous’, and deliberately aimed at weakening Lebanon’s sovereignty and triggering an uprising among Lebanese society.

Furthermore, the ministry highlighted what it called greater involvement of the US government with Israel in ‘military aggression’ and ‘heinous crimes’ against Lebanon.

Imposing sanctions on Iran’s ambassador is ‘illegal and baseless’, according to the Iranian MFA, reflecting Washington’s disregard for international law and the UN Charter, particularly the principle of respect for national sovereignty.

The ministry expressed its belief that the groups and the Lebanese people will defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity while maintaining unity and solidarity.

It also said Lebanon will prevent Israel from achieving its ‘evil’ aims by opposing aggression and ending the Israeli occupation.