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Colombia has cut diplomatic ties with Iran, citing national security concerns and alleged links to “narco-terrorist groups”.
Colombia announced the decision on Thursday. According to the Colombian government, the decision took effect on September 19.
Bogotá said the move was based on “hemispheric national security” considerations.
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It accused Iran of having links to groups that threaten Colombia’s security. However, the government did not provide evidence to support the allegations.
Iran rejected the claims on Friday. Its Foreign Ministry described the allegations as “baseless claims”.
“It is clear that none of the claims put forward by the Colombian government to justify this decision are valid or logical,” it said.
Iran also accused Colombia of making the decision under the influence of the United States and Israel.
It further accused the Colombian government of being influenced by drug cartels.
Colombia’s decision comes after President Abelardo de la Espriella took office on August 7.
The new right-wing president has moved to strengthen Colombia’s ties with US President Donald Trump.
His government has also announced plans to cut ties with the leftist governments of Cuba and Nicaragua.
However, Colombia has yet to sever diplomatic relations with either country.
Bogotá also criticised Tehran over the war involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
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The Colombian government accused Iran of blocking traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. It also criticised Tehran over attacks on other countries in the Middle East.
Despite cutting diplomatic ties, Colombia said it would maintain consular relations with Iran.
The decision makes Colombia the latest Washington ally in Latin America to sever diplomatic links with Tehran.
