Colombia severs diplomatic relations with Iran over security concerns

On Thursday, Colombia declared the termination of its diplomatic relationship with Iran, a step taken under President Abelardo de la Espriella after he assumed office on August 7. The government justified the cut on "hemispheric national security" grounds, alleging that the Iranian regime maintains connections with narco-terrorist groups that endanger Colombia. Bogotá also condemned Iran for blocking traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and for its involvement in conflicts alongside the United States and Israel.

The severance became effective on September 19, though consular contacts will remain. This action follows De la Espriella's earlier promises to distance Colombia from leftist governments such as Cuba and Nicaragua, aligning the nation more closely with U.S. policy under President Donald Trump.