Tehran, Jan 8 (IANS): Iran's Islamic Propaganda Coordination Council invited Iranians to stage nationwide rallies on Friday in protest against the execution of a Shia cleric by Saudi Arabia, the media reported.

The protests to the "inhuman and dangerous act" of executing the cleric will be held after the Friday prayers in different parts of the country, Xinhua cited a statement as saying.

It also urged the Iranian foreign ministry to send a clear message to the Saudi authorities in this regard and to react to their measure "determinedly".

Friday's rallies would be major protests in Iran following last Saturday's rallies in which protesters set ablaze the Saudi embassy and consulate against the execution of the prominent Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr in Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh cut off diplomatic relations with Tehran on Sunday after the attacks on its embassy.

A number of other Arab states have either cut or downgraded the diplomatic ties with Tehran.