Iran’s Zarif, EU’s Mogherini Discuss Regional Security Issues

In a telephone conversation on Sunday, Mogherini and Zarif discussed the latest developments in the region and ways for further boosting regional security and stability.

The conversation came one day after Saudi Arabia executed prominent Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.

The EU chief on Saturday raised serious concerns over Saudi Arabia's execution of Sheikh Nimr, warning it could have "dangerous consequences" for a region already fraught with sectarian tensions.

"The specific case of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr raises serious concerns regarding freedom of expression and the respect of basic civil and political rights, to be safeguarded in all cases, also in the framework of the fight against terrorism," Mogherini said in a statement.

"This case has also the potential of enflaming further the sectarian tensions that already bring so much damage to the entire region, with dangerous consequences," she added.

Saudi Arabia executed 47 prisoners on Saturday, including Sheikh Nimr. Among them were four Shiite Muslims accused of anti-government protests in recent years.

The executions took place in 12 cities in Saudi Arabia, four prisons using firing squads and the others beheading. The bodies were then hanged from gibbets in the most severe form of punishment available in the kingdom's law.

Sheikh Nimr had been detained in July 2012 on charges of delivering anti-regime speeches and defending political prisoners.