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Colombia has severed diplomatic relations with Iran, citing concerns over national and regional security, alleged links to international terrorist and narco-terrorist groups, and human rights violations.
Colombia’s Foreign Ministry said the decision took effect on Sept. 19.
In a statement, the ministry said the move was consistent with the government’s foreign-policy priorities of combating transnational crime and protecting national security.
The ministry also cited alleged human rights violations in Iran, attacks on countries not directly involved in conflicts in the Middle East, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and what it described as Iranian authorities’ obstruction of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) efforts to verify the scope of Iran’s nuclear programme.
“These events have undermined our confidence in the Iranian government,” the ministry said.
Colombia said, however, that diplomatic ties being severed would not affect consular relations between the two countries.
The decision comes after Colombia’s new President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office in August, introduced changes to the country’s foreign policy. His administration has moved quickly to restore relations with Israel.
Former President Gustavo Petro had taken a strongly critical stance toward Israel over its military actions in Gaza. Source: Anadolu
