Saudi Arabia Executes Six Iranians for Drug Smuggling

Saudi Arabia has executed six Iranian nationals for drug smuggling, specifically for introducing hashish into the kingdom, according to the official state news agency SPA. This action has prompted Iran to summon the Saudi ambassador in Tehran to express strong protests, criticizing the executions as inconsistent with their judicial cooperation. Iranian officials highlighted that the executions were carried out without prior notification to Iran's embassy, which they argue violates international law. The executions occurred amidst a broader crackdown on drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia, which has seen a significant increase in capital punishment for drug offenses since a moratorium was lifted two years ago. This incident comes on the heels of a 2023 agreement brokered by China, aimed at stabilizing relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The lack of specified execution dates has further fueled tensions between the two nations.