Colombia Cuts Diplomatic Ties With Iran as New Government Aligns With US

Colombia has formally severed diplomatic relations with Iran, with the decision taking effect on September 19, according to the country’s Foreign Ministry.

The move comes as President Abelardo de la Espriella’s new government reshapes the country’s foreign-policy priorities.

Bogota said the decision was driven by national and hemispheric security concerns and its focus on combating transnational crime. The government also alleged that Tehran has links to international terrorist and narco-terrorist groups, without providing details to substantiate the claims.

Colombia’s Foreign Ministry said it also considered what it described as confirmed human rights violations in Iran, attacks on countries outside the Middle East conflict, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and restrictions on efforts by the International Atomic Energy Agency to assess Iran’s nuclear programme.

The diplomatic break marks a shift in Colombia’s foreign policy under De la Espriella, who took office on August 7 and has sought closer ties with the United States. Washington has also moved to strengthen security cooperation with the new Colombian administration.

The government had previously indicated plans to distance Colombia from the governments of Cuba and Nicaragua, although diplomatic ties with those countries remain in place.

Despite the diplomatic rupture, Colombia said consular relations with Iran would continue. The Foreign Ministry said the relevant authorities would communicate the next steps to Tehran in accordance with international diplomatic and consular conventions.