Lebanon extends visa of Iran's ambassador Sheibani following persona non grata designation - report
Sheibani originally served as Iran's ambassador to Lebanon in the early 2000s, then was reappointed to the role in February, before the persona non grata designation
Assessment
Lebanon's decision to extend the visa of Iran's ambassador Sheibani undercuts its own persona non grata designation. The move suggests Beirut is trying to soften the diplomatic rupture with Iran, or at least delay its consequences. Sheibani, who returned to the post in February after serving in the early 2000s, now holds a visa that contradicts his official status. Watch whether he remains in the country or is eventually expelled.