TEHRAN – A visiting U.S. official, Tom Barrack, has managed to draw the fury of a lot of people in Lebanon after he lost his cool with local journalists. During a press conference in Beirut, he told them to shut up and called them "animalistic," demanding they act "civilized."

The envoy's remarks came in response to journalists engaging in a common practice the throughout much of the world, of calling out questions simultaneously during news conferences. Barrack framed this behavior as part of the broader "problem with what's happening in the region," suggesting that such "chaos" was indicative of deeper regional issues. He further questioned whether he and his deputy, Morgan Ortagus, should have to endure what he termed "insanity" during their diplomatic mission. He repeated those remarks the same day when encountering reporters at a different location. The envoy has yet to apologize.

The whole awkward moment created a really stark contrast to a recent visit from a top Iranian security official. Where the American envoy was dismissive and rude, the Iranian official was notably respectful towards both Lebanese officials and the press corps.

During his trip to Lebanon earlier this month, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani made a point to say that Iran isn't there to tell Lebanon what to do. He emphasized that his country only wants to help, and said the U.S. is the real meddler.

He specifically called out Washington for ordering Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, its most powerful military force. “The country that is giving you plans and providing you with a timeframe to implement them while threatening you is the one meddling with your internal affairs,” he said to reporters.