Lebanon’s cabinet on Thursday took another unprecedented step to limit Iran’s influence in the country, citing growing security concerns linked to the wider Middle East conflict and recent Israeli military actions.

The government directed the Foreign Ministry to summon officials from the Iranian embassy following statements attributed to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps regarding a joint operation conducted Wednesday evening in coordination with Hezbollah, signaling a rare diplomatic pushback against Tehran’s presence in Lebanon.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had carried out a joint missile operation with Hezbollah against targets inside Israel. In statements carried by the Fars News Agency and Tasnim News Agency, the Guards said the “joint and integrated operation” targeted more than 50 locations, including Israeli military bases in Haifa, Tel Aviv and Beersheba. Hezbollah said the attack — dubbed “Operation Chewed Wheat,” a reference to a Quranic verse about reducing one’s enemies to chewed wheat — involved coordinated missile and drone fire alongside Iranian missiles.

Speaking at a press briefing after the meeting, Information Minister Paul Morcos emphasized that the government is maintaining continuous diplomatic contacts to prevent escalation and protect critical infrastructure. 

Domestically, the government launched initiatives to support displaced residents and curb unrest. The government has issued an appeal to journalists, warning against incitement and misinformation, while the Ministry of Information has deployed a specialized unit to monitor and counter false reports. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stressed that the government opposes oppression but is equally committed to preventing sectarian strife.

Cabinet officials also highlighted the importance of verifying the identities of hotel guests hosting displaced persons.

Currently, 592 shelters are open, alongside additional capacity at the Sports City and 36 other centers, with plans to open 100 more if needed, Morcos noted. 

The government confirmed that it will issue an urgent nationwide appeal to mobilize relief efforts, ensuring that no displaced person remains on the streets.