Peru Cuts Diplomatic Ties With Iran, Citing Middle East Escalation

Peru announced yesterday (Tuesday) that it is severing diplomatic relations with Iran, citing the conduct of the regime in Tehran both domestically and internationally. The Foreign Ministry in Lima pointed, among other things, to the escalation of conflicts in the Middle East, the disruption of ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, and the obstacles Iran has placed before international nuclear inspectors.

Peru's official statement said that "the Government of the Republic of Peru has decided to sever diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran." Peruvian officials explained that the decision was also made in light of what they described as a deterioration in democracy and human rights in Iran.

Peru's Foreign Ministry said: "As part of its firm commitment to the defense of democracy, a fundamental principle of its foreign policy, Peru has followed with growing concern the deterioration of democracy in Iran, as documented by various UN mechanisms, particularly with regard to the repression of peaceful protests, violations of press freedom, discrimination against women and girls, and the persecution of political opponents."

Another central reason for the move concerns events in the Strait of Hormuz: "The Government of Peru views with deep concern the severe restrictions imposed by the Iranian regime, as well as the disruption of international trade through the Strait of Hormuz since March 2026, because they run counter to principles such as freedom of navigation and the right of passage through straits used for international maritime traffic, which cannot be subject to unilateral conditions. At the same time, they harm navigational safety, the protection of human life at sea, and the preservation of the marine environment, in addition to their consequences for energy prices and the stability of global supply chains."

The government in Lima also accused Tehran of encouraging violence and escalating regional conflicts, as well as disrupting the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency and denying inspectors the access needed to verify that Iran is not developing nuclear weapons.

Still, the break will not be complete: Peru will maintain consular relations with Iran to continue protecting the citizens and interests of both countries. The decision to sever diplomatic relations was formally conveyed to Tehran through Iran's embassy in Ecuador, which is also responsible for relations with Peru.