The men were executed in a prison in the southeastern province of Kerman, Iran's Students News Agency reported, without saying when the hangings took place.

Murder, adultery, rape, armed robbery, drug trafficking and apostasy are all punishable by death under Iranian law practiced since the 1979 revolution.

"Five convicted drug smugglers and bandits and a man convicted of rape were hanged in Kerman prison," ISNA said, quoting local judicial authorities.

The sentences were carried out after confirmation by the supreme court.

Since authorities launched a clampdown on "immoral behavior" in July 2007, police have arrested dozens of drug addicts, smugglers, rapists and murderers.

Although Iran's human rights record is often criticized by the West, Tehran rejects claims it is violating human rights and accuses the West of double standards and hypocrisy.