Colombia severs diplomatic ties with Iran

Colombia announced Thursday that it had formally severed diplomatic relations with Iran, effective Sept. 19, citing national and hemispheric security concerns and links between Tehran and terrorist and narcoterrorist groups.

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

Together, those issues had eroded Colombia’s trust in the Iranian government, the ministry said. The break does not end consular relations.

The move comes amid a shift in foreign policy under President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office in August. His government has restored ties with Israel after his predecessor, Gustavo Petro, broke them in 2024 over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar welcomed Colombia’s decision in a social media statement provided for this article, praising de la Espriella’s leadership and calling for a united response to Iran. "I commend Colombia 🇨🇴 and the leadership of President @ABDELAESPRIELLA for severing diplomatic relations with the Iranian regime. This is a clear stand against terrorism, narco-terrorism and Iran’s dangerous nuclear ambitions. The free world must stand united against the Iranian regime."