MP Salim Sayiegh defended the government’s decision to expel Iran’s ambassador, describing it as lawful and binding following consultations between the Foreign Ministry, President Joseph Aoun, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

Speaking to Al-Hadath, Sayegh warned that any attempt to defy the decision would violate international law, strip the ambassador of diplomatic privileges and immunity, and constitute an act of disobedience against Lebanon’s sovereign authority. He also accused Hezbollah of engaging in civil disobedience by disregarding government decisions.

Sayegh emphasized that the expulsion does not signal sectarian strife but highlights a serious deterioration in Lebanon-Iran relations. Lebanon does not seek to sever ties with Tehran, he said, but rejects the ambassador’s conduct and the involvement of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, which he said dragged Lebanon into an unwanted conflict.

The lawmaker criticized Hezbollah for claiming that the Foreign Minister’s decision originated from the Kataeb Party in Maarab, calling such allegations “fabricated” and part of what he described as the group’s “war declaration,” in which political actions serve as a continuation of armed conflict.

“Our reference in Lebanon is the government’s decisions, not Hezbollah statements,” he said. “The party operates outside the law and uses accusations to preserve its remaining credibility.”

Addressing the question of whether a two-thirds Cabinet vote was needed to expel the ambassador, Sayegh said such a session was unnecessary, accusing Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri of maneuvering to protect Hezbollah and Iranian interests under pressure from the Revolutionary Guard in Beirut.

“The decision is legal and constitutional. There is no need to invent battles over it,” he said, adding that Iran’s response came not in statements but through aerial attacks on Lebanese territory.

He condemned Tehran for bypassing diplomatic protocols, including the Vienna Convention, in favor of military force.

Sayegh said Lebanon, after repeated violations of its sovereignty and being drawn into conflicts it had no part in, has now adopted a direct and assertive diplomacy.

“To anyone who harms Lebanon: enough is enough. A new diplomatic language has emerged, and everyone must adapt to it.”

He recalled that previous foreign ministers appointed under the Syrian regime and Iran-backed system had provided cover and legitimacy to Hezbollah’s actions.

“That era is over. We now have a new government and a new mandate. Every attack on Gulf states feels like an attack on Beirut, and every threat to Lebanon affects the Gulf. Lebanese security is now integral to Arab national security.”

Sayegh concluded that while Lebanon does not currently control the decision to wage war, it is asserting authority over peace.

“Those who imposed war on Lebanon cannot create peace for it. Only elected, legitimate representatives can establish sustainable peace in the country.”