Overview
- The Peruvian government announced it has severed formal diplomatic relations with Iran while keeping consular channels open to protect citizens.
- Peru's foreign ministry accused Iran of repeatedly denying IAEA inspectors access to nuclear sites and said those actions hinder needed verification to prevent weapons development.
- The government cited Iran’s role in escalating violence in the Middle East and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as factors informing the decision.
- Peru pointed to United Nations findings on shrinking democracy and human-rights abuses in Iran, including repression of peaceful protests, limits on press freedom, discrimination against women and persecution of opponents.
- Lima notified the Iranian embassy in Ecuador, which represents Iran in Peru, and officials said the move signals a foreign-policy shift that could affect trade and diplomatic alignments in the region.