Kuwait city, Kuwait- WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

A Kuwaiti court pronounced death sentence on two men accused of spying for Iran and Hezbollah on Tuesday, a Reuters witness said.

The convicts were also involved in the possession of weapons. One of the men given the death penalty was an Iranian convicted in absentia, and the other was a Kuwaiti who was in court.

Other suspects’ sentences ranged from five to 25 years, and three were found innocent.

Tensions between Iran and Saudi-aligned Gulf countries have amplified since a diplomatic clash between Tehran and Riyadh erupted after Riyadh’s decision to execute prominent cleric Nimr al-Nimr this month.

Saudi Arabia broke off relations with Tehran after its diplomatic missions were attacked by Iranian protesters in Iran, while Kuwait has recalled its envoy to Iran.