Iran announced on Monday that its ambassador to Lebanon will remain in the country, defying a decision by the Lebanese government that had declared him persona non grata and set a deadline for his departure.

The move, widely seen as a direct challenge to Lebanese sovereignty, comes amid growing tensions over Tehran’s influence in Beirut. The Lebanese Foreign Ministry last week said it had withdrawn accreditation for Iran’s ambassador-designate, Mohammad Reza Sheibani, and demanded that he leave by March 29.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei told a weekly press briefing that “our ambassador will continue his duties as Iran’s envoy in Beirut and will remain there,” adding that “the embassy in Beirut is still fully operational.”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry mocked Lebanon over the standoff, noting that the Lebanese decision to expel the ambassador “remains on paper” while Sheibani reportedly continues to sip coffee in Beirut. Jerusalem characterized the situation as evidence that Lebanon has fallen under Iranian influence.

The decision to keep the ambassador follows strong objections from Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal Movement. Last week, Hezbollah denounced the Lebanese government’s move, and Amal, led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, joined Hezbollah ministers in boycotting a cabinet session in protest.