Peru breaks diplomatic ties with Iran

 Peru announced that it has decided to break diplomatic relations with Iran, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The Foreign Ministry said the decision was based on Peru’s “historic commitment to peace,” respect for international law and defense of democracy.

Peru said it watched with growing concern "the deterioration of democratic values in Iran," pointing to “the repression of peaceful demonstrations, the curtailment of freedom of the press, discrimination against women and girls, and the persecution of political opponents.”