Iran hits back at Colombia's accusations following diplomatic break

Iran on Friday rejected accusations made by Colombia against Tehran and accused Bogota of being influenced by the US and the Israel following Colombia's decision to sever diplomatic relations.

Iran's Foreign Ministry described Colombia's allegations against Iran and part of its armed forces as "baseless," saying the decision to break ties violated the principle of mutual respect and the interests of both countries.

The ministry said Colombia's decision was made "solely under the influence of the Zionist regime,” meaning Israel, and the United States.

It also accused the Colombian government of being heavily influenced by drug production and distribution cartels and of being part of what it called a "narco-terrorism" network in the Americas and beyond.

The ministry cited the seizure in Tehran of 55 kilograms (121 pounds) of cocaine from Colombia, saying the shipment had been smuggled into Iran by a network allegedly linked to influential figures in Colombia.

Iran said Colombian authorities should have cooperated with Tehran to identify those responsible for trafficking the shipment and similar consignments rather than responding to the issue by severing diplomatic ties.

The ministry said Iran would take "necessary measures" in response to what it described as Colombia's "unjustified and hostile approach" to protect its national interests.

Bogota said the move was based on national and hemispheric security concerns, the fight against transnational crime, and alleged links between the Iranian government and international terrorist and narco-terrorist groups.

The Colombian Foreign Ministry also cited human rights violations in Iran, alleged attacks against countries outside the Middle East conflict, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and restrictions on efforts by the International Atomic Energy Agency to verify Iran's nuclear program.

The diplomatic break does not include consular relations, according to the ministry.