Colombia Breaks Diplomatic Relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran

Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Thursday, September 24, that the government of President Abelardo de la Espriella had severed diplomatic ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran on Saturday, September 19. This move, which had been in the works for several days, came in response to several factors outlined by the Colombian Foreign Ministry.

The decision was primarily driven by the perceived links between the Iranian government and terrorist groups that pose a threat to Colombia's security. Additionally, the Colombian government took into account the ongoing human rights violations perpetrated by the Iranian government within its own territory. The statement also highlighted "verified attacks against countries that are not parties to the conflict in the Middle East, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and the obstruction by the authorities of the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to verify the scope of its nuclear program."

These incidents, according to the Foreign Ministry, have eroded Colombia's confidence in the Iranian government. It is important to note that while diplomatic relations have been broken, consular relations have not been severed, in accordance with international conventions. The Protocol Directorate of the Colombian Foreign Ministry is responsible for informing the Iranian authorities of the necessary steps to follow.

The Colombian government emphasized that the defense of national sovereignty is a fundamental pillar of its foreign policy. Furthermore, it warned that national diplomacy would continue to protect the country's borders, reject external interference, and advocate for the defense of Colombian citizens and Colombia's interests on the international stage.