BOGOTÁ—The government of Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella announced the formal severing of diplomatic relations with Iran, a decision that took effect on September 19 and marks a new shift in the country's foreign policy.
The Colombian Foreign Ministry explained that the measure
responds to considerations related to national and hemispheric security, as
well as the fight against transnational crime. The government also pointed to
alleged links between Iranian authorities and terrorist organizations and
groups that, according to Bogotá, represent a threat to Colombia's security.
Among the arguments presented by Colombia are also
allegations of human rights violations within Iran, attacks against countries
uninvolved in the Middle East conflict, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz,
and questions about Tehran's cooperation with the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA).
The diplomatic break does not mean the end of consular
relations between the two countries. The Colombian Foreign Ministry indicated
that consular mechanisms established by international conventions will be
maintained and that its Protocol Directorate will notify Iranian authorities of
the corresponding procedures.
The decision comes as the De la Espriella administration
strengthens its ties with the United States and re-establishes diplomatic
relations with Israel, marking a shift from the previous administration's
foreign policy and aligning with governments seeking to uphold civil liberties
and preserve national family and social values.
Diplomatic relations between Colombia and Iran date back to
1975. The announced break ends more than five decades of diplomatic ties,
although consular channels remain open for the time being.