Colombia cuts diplomatic ties with Iran — Anadolu Agency

Colombia has officially severed diplomatic relations with Iran over national security and security considerations in the Western Hemisphere. The decision took effect on September 19, Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Grounds for the decision

According to the ministry’s statement, the decision is in line with the government’s foreign policy priorities, including combating transnational crime and protecting national security.

Colombia’s Foreign Ministry cited Tehran’s alleged links to international terrorist and drug-trafficking groups, and also mentioned human rights violations.

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As reported by Anadolu Agency, the ministry also said it had taken into account confirmed human rights violations, verified attacks against countries not involved in the Middle East conflict, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and Iranian authorities’ obstruction of the IAEA’s efforts to verify the scale of the country’s nuclear program.

Shift in foreign policy course

Colombia’s Foreign Ministry said these circumstances had undermined the country’s trust in the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Colombia’s new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office in August, reviewed the country’s international alliances and accelerated the restoration of its relations with Israel. According to the agency, this marked a shift in course compared with the position of his predecessor, Gustavo Petro.