Iran Summons Saudi Ambassador Over Execution of Nationals
Saudi Arabia Summons Iranian Ambassador After Execution of Six Iranians
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Tensions flared between Saudi Arabia and Iran after Saudi authorities executed six Iranian nationals convicted of drug smuggling. The executions,carried out in the Eastern Province,sparked a diplomatic row,with Saudi Arabia summoning the Iranian ambassador to Tehran to deliver a formal protest.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the executions, calling them a “wholly unacceptable measure” and a violation of international law, including the Consular Relations Agreement.
“Executing the (Iranian) embassy without prior declaration (..) is a completely unacceptable measure and a violation of international law, including the Consular Relations Agreement,” said Karimi Shashi, Director General of consular Affairs.
Shashi emphasized that the executions directly contradict the path of judicial cooperation between the two countries. In response, Iran announced that a legal and consular delegation would travel to Riyadh to investigate the matter further.
The executions, which took place on Wednesday, were announced by the Saudi Ministry of Interior. The ministry identified the six Iranians and stated they had “trafficked the drug hashish into the state.”
Drug trafficking carries the death penalty in Gulf states, and Saudi Arabia has a history of harsh punishments for drug-related offenses.
This incident comes amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, who have long been regional rivals. The executions are likely to further strain relations between the two countries.
Saudi Arabia has seen a surge in executions this year, with at least 330 people put to death, marking the highest number in decades. This increase in executions comes despite Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman’s pledge in 2022 to abolish the death penalty,except in cases of reprisals,as part of his vision for a more modern Saudi Arabia.