Iran’s Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the Colombian government’s decision to open an embassy in occupied al-Quds, saying the move violates the UN Charter, fundamental principles of international law and the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry stressed that al-Quds is an inseparable part of Palestinian territory and that “all governments are obligated under international law to refrain from actions that recognize the Israeli regime’s occupation.”

“The alignment of Colombia’s current governing authorities with an occupying and genocidal regime, and the legitimization of the occupation of Palestinian territory, stand in clear contradiction to the aspirations for independence and justice that have shaped a significant part of the history of the struggles of the people of this country and Latin America,” the statement read.

Tehran further noted that opening the embassy in occupied al-Quds violates Colombia’s international legal obligations to respect peoples’ right to self-determination and amounts to endorsing occupation while denying Palestinians that same right.

Iran’s statement came as the foreign ministers of 19 countries, including Palestine, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and Yemen, also condemned Colombia’s embassy opening in a joint statement issued on Friday.

The ministers expressed their “unequivocal rejection” of the decision, citing Security Council Resolutions 476 and 478, adopted in 1980, which reject measures intended to change occupied al-Quds’ character or status and call on states to withdraw diplomatic missions from the city.

The ministers called on Colombia to reconsider and reverse its decision, uphold its obligations under international law and refrain from measures that prejudice Palestinian rights.

Colombia severs Iran ties as new US-backed leader pivots to Israel

Colombia’s new US-backed government has severed diplomatic ties with Iran, as the right-wing administration of dual US citizen Abelardo de la Espriella moves to realign Bogotá firmly with Washington and Israel.

Colombia’s opening of an embassy in occupied al-Quds marks a sharp reversal of the policy adopted by former President Gustavo Petro, who severed diplomatic ties with Israel in May 2024 over the regime’s genocidal war on Gaza.

Under Petro, Bogota intervened in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Since taking office in August 2026, President Abelardo de la Espriella has moved to restore ties with Israel.

His administration also withdrew Colombia’s intervention in the ICJ case in September, and reopened the free trade agreement with Tel Aviv on October 13.

The decisions have drawn strong protests from Colombians who oppose renewed ties with Israel amid its genocidal assault on Gaza and view the embassy opening as a betrayal of Palestinian rights.