Saudi Arabia’s charge d’affairs in Tehran was summoned after three Iranians were executed, reportedly for drug trafficking. The executions have resulted in a further deterioration in relations between the two countries involved in a number of proxy wars in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry announced the Nov. 8 executions of the three Iranians in the eastern city of Dammam, according to the official Saudi Press Agency. The report said the three individuals, Nabi Baksh Jos, Mohammad Akram Baloch and Omid Bolideh, were arrested in the Persian Gulf waters attempting to smuggle a large amount of hashish into the country. The Saudi appellate court and the king of Saudi Arabia both upheld the ruling, according to the report.

The summons from Iran’s Foreign Ministry warned Saudi Arabia of repeating the violation of the country’s international commitments with respect to foreign citizens. Deputy Foreign Minister Hassan Ghashghavi said that when the Iranians were originally arrested four years ago, Iran attempted to provide them with legal counsel but were prevented from doing so by Saudi Arabia. He also said two Iranian citizens were acquitted in the case. 

On the damage to diplomatic relations from executing foreign citizens, Ghashghavi said, “Foreign countries have citizens subject to execution in Iran, but executing foreign citizens has a negative impact on relations.” He said Iran has always taken this impact into consideration, “but unfortunately the government of Saudi Arabia has not given consideration to this issue.”