Colombia cuts diplomatic ties with Iran

Colombia said Thursday that it formally severed diplomatic relations with Iran due to "national and hemispheric security concerns," alleged links to international terrorist and narcoterrorist groups, and human rights violations.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said the decision took effect on Sept. 19 and was based on the government's foreign policy priorities, including "the fight against transnational crime and the protection of national security."

The ministry said "Colombia also took into account confirmed human rights violations, verified attacks against countries not involved in the Middle East conflict, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and the authorities' obstruction of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) efforts to verify the scope of Iran's nuclear program."

"These facts deteriorated Colombia's trust in the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran," the ministry added.

Colombia's new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, has redrawn alliances since taking over in August. He fast-tracked efforts to restore the South American nation's ties with Israel, reversing predecessor Gustavo Petro's strong stance on the genocide in Gaza.