ByTZVI JASPER

An Iranian missile was intercepted over Lebanese airspace for the first time on Tuesday, three senior Lebanese security sources said, with two of them saying a foreign naval vessel was responsible for the interception.

The Lebanese news agency reported that shrapnel from an interception had landed over a series of towns north of Beirut and led to some light wounds.

Later on Tuesday, the IDF confirmed that an Iranian missile had landed near Beirut, after a barrage had been launched towards Israel.

A SOLDIER looks on at a damaged building after shrapnel from an intercepted Iranian missile made impact in Sahel Alma, a Christian town north of Beirut, Lebanon, according to Lebanese sources, amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, as the US-Israeli conflict with Iran continues.
A SOLDIER looks on at a damaged building after shrapnel from an intercepted Iranian missile made impact in Sahel Alma, a Christian town north of Beirut, Lebanon, according to Lebanese sources, amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, as the US-Israeli conflict with Iran continues. (credit: REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Lebanon declares Iran ambassador persona non grata

The interception came after Lebanon declared Iran’s ambassador-designate Mohammad Reza Sheibani persona non grata earlier that day, giving the appointed figure until Sunday to leave the country.

Lebanon’s foreign ministry summoned the Lebanese ambassador to Iran for consultations, citing what it described as Tehran's violation of diplomatic norms and established practices between the two countries.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also announced on Tuesday that the war could have been avoided if Israel withdrew from occupied areas in southern Lebanon and honored the 2024 ceasefire deal.

Danielle Greyman-Kennard contributed to this report.