Tehran:Iran rejected accusations made by Colombia and criticized Bogota for being influenced by the United States and Israel after Colombia decided to sever diplomatic relations. According to Anadolu Agency, Iran's Foreign Ministry labeled Colombia's allegations against Tehran and its armed forces as "baseless." It argued that the decision to break ties violated the principle of mutual respect and the interests of both nations. The ministry accused Colombia of making its decision "solely under the influence of the Zionist regime," referring to Israel, and the United States. It further claimed that the Colombian government was heavily influenced by drug cartels and was part of a "narco-terrorism" network in the Americas and beyond. Iran highlighted the seizure in Tehran of 55 kilograms (121 pounds) of cocaine from Colombia, stating that the shipment was smuggled into Iran by a network allegedly linked to influential figures in Colombia. It argued that Colombian authorities should have cooperated with Tehran to identify those responsible for such trafficking instead of severing diplomatic ties. Iran announced it would take "necessary measures" in response to what it called Colombia's "unjustified and hostile approach" to protect its national interests. Bogota had cited national and hemispheric security concerns, the fight against transnational crime, and alleged links between the Iranian government and international terrorist and narco-terrorist groups as reasons for the diplomatic break. The Colombian Foreign Ministry also pointed to human rights violations in Iran, alleged attacks against countries outside the Middle East, 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 extend to consular relations, according to the Colombian ministry.