Saudi Arabia executes six Iranians for drug smuggling, sparking diplomatic tensions

Saudi Arabia executed six Iranian men on January 1 for smuggling drugs into the kingdom, igniting strong objections from Iran. The executions come at a time when the two countries are working to repair their strained relations after years of diplomatic tension.

The Saudi Interior Ministry confirmed that the men were convicted of smuggling hashish into Saudi Arabia and that the executions followed the rejection of their appeal by the country’s Supreme Court. However, the ministry did not specify when the executions took place, Caliber.Az reports via foreing media.

The punishment was in line with Islamic law and aimed at protecting citizens and residents "rom the scourge of drugs," the ministry stated in its announcement.

In response, Iran condemned the executions, prompting the Iranian Foreign Ministry to summon the Saudi ambassador. According to the official IRNA news agency, Iran has expressed its intention to send a delegation to Riyadh to discuss the matter.

IRNA quoted Ministry official Mojtaba Shasti Karimi as saying, “The executions contradicted the general trend of judicial cooperation.” Karimi further stated that the Saudi action, which was carried out without prior notice to Iran, was "not acceptable under any circumstance."

The execution of the six men marks a significant point of contention between the Middle Eastern rivals, who had only reestablished diplomatic relations in early 2023, following seven years of tensions. The incident highlights the fragile nature of the diplomatic thaw and underscores ongoing sensitivities between the two nations.

By Vugar Khalilov