Six Iranian Nationals Beheaded in Saudi Arabia for Drug Smuggling; Iran Strongly Protests

Saudi Arabia has executed six Iranian nationals convicted of smuggling drugs, sparking a wave of diplomatic protests from Tehran. The executions took place in the city of Dammam, where the individuals were beheaded after being found guilty of trafficking hashish into the kingdom.

The Saudi Ministry of Interior confirmed the executions, noting that the individuals were secretly involved in smuggling drugs into the country. However, the statement did not provide details about when the sentence was carried out.

Reacting sharply, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its strong disapproval. Kermani Shashti, the Director-General for Diplomatic Relations, denounced the move, pointing out that the accused were tried years ago for drug smuggling and that the Iranian government had made significant efforts to obtain clemency for them. Despite these efforts, the Saudi authorities proceeded with the executions without informing the Iranian embassy.

Kermani Shashti condemned Saudi Arabia’s actions as “unacceptable” and a violation of international law. He further criticized the execution as contrary to the Consular Services Convention, which ensures diplomatic communication between countries. In light of the situation, Iran has summoned the Saudi ambassador to express its formal objection to the unlawful act and condemned it as a breach of the judicial cooperation between the two nations.