Execution of Sheikh Nimr; Warning from the IRGC, Protest Note from Saudi Arabia

The execution of Sheikh Nimr, a prominent Shia cleric in Saudi Arabia, has sparked widespread reactions in Iran, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warning that a "severe revenge" will be taken from Saudi Arabia in the near future. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia summoned the Iranian ambassador in Riyadh to protest against what it described as the "hostile" remarks of Iranian officials. On Saturday, January 1, 47 opposition prisoners, including Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr, were executed. According to Reuters, most of those executed were linked to al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, with only four being Shia. The execution of Sheikh Nimr has triggered extensive reactions in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Bahrain, Lebanon, and other countries. Iranian political, military, and religious officials have reacted strongly to the execution. The Iranian Foreign Ministry summoned the Saudi chargé d'affaires in Tehran. Protests have been held in front of the Saudi embassy in Tehran and its consulate in Mashhad. The IRGC also issued a statement condemning the execution of Sheikh Nimr, declaring: "In the near future, a severe revenge will be taken against the criminals of the Al Saud regime, leading to the collapse and downfall of the foundations of this terrorist, despised, and anti-Islam regime." Meanwhile, the Saudi Foreign Ministry on Saturday summoned the Iranian ambassador in Riyadh to express its protest against what it called the "hostile" statements of Iranian officials regarding its judicial rulings. According to AFP, the Saudi Foreign Ministry stated that these remarks by Iranian officials represent a "clear interference" in the internal affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Foreign Ministry also stated that the Iranian government is responsible for ensuring the security of its embassy and consulate in Tehran and Mashhad based on international agreements and laws, and that Iran is responsible for protecting the lives of embassy and consulate staff against any violent acts. Reports indicate that protests were held in Tehran and Mashhad in front of the Saudi embassy and consulate on Saturday, causing damage to the consulate and embassy buildings. Between 2011 and 2013, hundreds were arrested during protests by the Shia minority in the country. Saudi officials reported that during these protests, police officers were attacked, resulting in several deaths. According to Reuters, 45 of those executed were Saudi citizens, with one Egyptian and one Chadian also among the executed. The simultaneous execution of 47 individuals in one day across 12 cities in Saudi Arabia is unprecedented since 1979. In 1979, following an armed attack on the "Grand Mosque" in Mecca, 63 individuals were executed. In this context, Sheikh Nimr, a critical Shia cleric, was executed in Saudi Arabia. The European Union has warned about the "dangerous consequences" of Sheikh Nimr's execution. Iran summoned the Saudi chargé d'affaires in protest against Sheikh Nimr's execution. The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that Sheikh Nimr's execution is a sign of Saudi Arabia's deep mismanagement.