The government of Colombia announced on the 24th that it had severed diplomatic relations with Iran, a move that follows a similar decision by Peru

BOGOTA: Right-wing President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office on August 7 with the full backing of U.S. President Donald Trump, is currently restructuring the country's diplomatic and alliance relationships.

Prior to taking office, President de la Espriella had expressed an intention to sever diplomatic ties with authoritarian leftist regimes such as those in Cuba and Nicaragua, though he has not yet carried out these plans.

In a statement issued on the 24th, the Colombian government explained that the severance of ties with Iran—which took effect on the 19th—was based on considerations regarding "security in the Western Hemisphere (the Americas)."

Without presenting evidence, the government accused the Iranian administration of having "links to narco-terrorist organizations that threaten our national security."

Furthermore, it accused Iran of attacking Middle Eastern nations and threatening to blockade the Strait of Hormuz—a vital chokepoint for energy transport—amidst its conflict with the United States and Israel.

However, the government added that it would maintain consular relations with Iran. (c)AFP,JP