BEIRUT — On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia announced the execution of six Iranian nationals for their involvement in drug trafficking, a move that has drawn significant backlash from Iran, particularly at a time when both nations are working towards improving their diplomatic ties.

According to Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry, the six individuals were apprehended while attempting to smuggle hashish into the country. After their appeals were denied by the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia, the executions took place. However, the specific timing of these events was not disclosed.

The ministry justified these actions by citing adherence to Islamic law, emphasizing that such measures are intended to safeguard both citizens and residents from the detrimental effects of drug abuse.

In response, the Iranian Foreign Ministry summoned the Saudi ambassador to express their dissent, as reported by the official state news agency, IRNA. Additionally, Iran plans to send a delegation to Riyadh to discuss the situation further.

IRNA reported comments from ministry representative Mojtaba Shasti Karimi, who criticized the executions as inconsistent with the ongoing judicial cooperation between the two countries. He remarked that Saudi Arabia’s decision to proceed without prior notification to Iran was “unacceptable under any circumstance.”

The relations between these two long-time rivals have seen a re-establishment of diplomatic ties earlier in 2023, following a seven-year period marked by significant tensions.