Iran condemns the severing of diplomatic relations with Colombia

Iran "strongly" condemned Colombia's decision to break diplomatic relations with Tehran, accusing the Bogota government of being influenced by the United States and Israel and of having links to narco-terrorism.

The break, announced yesterday by the Colombian government, has been in force since September 19th. The Iranian Foreign Ministry, led by Abbas Araghchi, said that none of Bogota's accusations justified the decision, which was adopted "solely under the influence" of Washington and Israel. Tehran also accused Colombia of being influenced by drug cartels and of being part of a narco-terrorism network, threatening "necessary measures" to protect its interests.

Bogota's decision, motivated by national and regional security needs and the fight against transnational crime, does not entail the severing of consular relations.

Colombia and Iran have had diplomatic relations since 1975.