Colombia severs diplomatic relations with Iran

Colombia has severed diplomatic relations with Iran, accusing Tehran of alleged links to international terrorist and narco-terrorist groups and citing broader national security concerns.

The decision formally took effect on September 19, Colombia's Foreign Ministry said, although it was publicly announced on September 24. The ministry said the move was based on the government's national and hemispheric security policy and its efforts to combat transnational crime.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Government of Colombia, announces that <...> it is officially severing diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the ministry said. “The decision was made taking into account the alleged ties of the Iranian government with international terrorist groups and other narco-terrorist organisations threatening the country's security.”

Bogotá also cited what it described as confirmed human rights violations by the Iranian government, attacks on countries not involved in the Middle East conflict, the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz and the obstruction of International Atomic Energy Agency efforts to assess the scope of Iran's nuclear program. Colombia's Foreign Ministry said these developments had eroded its trust in the Iranian government.

The rupture of diplomatic relations does not extend to consular ties, according to the Colombian Foreign Ministry. The ministry said consular relations would remain in place under the relevant provisions of the Vienna conventions on diplomatic and consular relations.

The move comes after Abelardo de la Espriella took office as Colombia's president in August, replacing left-wing President Gustavo Petro. De la Espriella has pursued closer ties with Washington, including expanded military and security cooperation. His government has also moved to restore Colombia's relationship with Israel, which Petro severed in May 2024 over the war in Gaza.

By Tamilla Hasanova