More than 150 Iranian nationals, including diplomats and their families, left Lebanon after the Israeli military threatened Iran's representatives in Beirut and carried out air strikes near the Iranian embassy. A Lebanese security source said those departing were flown to Russia, while additional Iranian nationals had left a day earlier following the outbreak of a new war between Hezbollah and Israel. Iran's foreign ministry confirmed that its citizens had temporarily left Beirut because of the deteriorating security situation, though the embassy continues normal operations.

The escalation has renewed focus on Iran's support for Hezbollah, which launched rockets and drones at Israel earlier in the week, prompting heavy Israeli bombardment across Lebanon. An Israeli military spokesperson warned Iranian government representatives in Lebanon to leave immediately. Shortly afterward, Lebanon's prime minister called for the arrest and deportation of any Iranian Revolutionary Guards engaged in military activities in the country.

Lebanese authorities have not confirmed the presence of Iranian forces, and a Hezbollah official denied that any Iranian military personnel were operating in Lebanon. Air strikes near the Iranian embassy reportedly influenced the diplomats' departure, though Lebanese officials had also been considering expelling Iranian representatives. It remains unclear whether those who left did so voluntarily or were formally ordered out.