Iran rejects Colombia claims after diplomatic ties cut

Iran rejected Colombia's allegations after Bogota cut diplomatic ties with Tehran while keeping consular relations.

Colombia said Thursday that the decision took effect on September 19 and was based on “hemispheric national security” considerations. The government of President Abelardo de la Espriella accused Iran of having ties to “narco-terrorist groups that threaten the security of the country,” without giving proof.

Iran's foreign ministry called the allegations “baseless claims” on Friday. It said Colombia's decision had been made under the influence of Israel and the United States, and accused the Colombian government of being under the influence of drug cartels.

Bogota also criticised Tehran for blocking traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and for attacking other countries in the Middle East during Iran's war with the United States and Israel.

De la Espriella, a right-wing president endorsed by US President Donald Trump, took office on August 7 after leftist predecessor Gustavo Petro. Before his inauguration, he also announced plans to sever ties with the governments of Cuba and Nicaragua, though he has not yet done so.