Colombia Ends Diplomatic Relations With Iran

Colombia’s Foreign Ministry says the country severed diplomatic relations with Iran effective September 19, citing security concerns and allegations of Iranian links to terrorist and narcoterrorist groups. The ministry made the decision public on September 24. Consular relations will continue, it said. The ministry also cited human-rights violations in Iran, attacks on countries outside the Middle East conflict, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and obstruction of International Atomic Energy Agency inspections of Iran’s nuclear program. It said these concerns had eroded Colombia’s confidence in Iran’s government. The allegations about links to terrorist and narcoterrorist groups were presented as grounds for the decision, but the available statement did not identify specific groups or incidents. The reporting also did not establish a concrete case involving Colombian territory. Iran had not issued a detailed public response to the decision in the reports available by September 25. The end of diplomatic relations does not mean consular ties have been cut. Colombia’s Foreign Ministry said consular relations remain in place, allowing consular services to continue.