Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry has summoned Iran’s ambassador and handed him a formal note of protest over a statement issued by the Iranian diplomatic mission concerning a recent espionage case.

The Kuwaiti ministry strongly condemned Tehran’s position, describing it as interference in the emirate’s internal affairs and an infringement on the independence of its judicial system, according to Middle East 24.

The diplomatic dispute follows criticism by the Iranian Embassy in Kuwait of a criminal court ruling that sentenced three people to death for spying on behalf of Iran and preparing an assassination attempt against several senior officials, including Kuwait’s interior minister.

One of those sentenced to death is an Iranian citizen.