The UN Security Council urged Saudi Arabia and Iran to avoid actions that could raise tensions in the region after the kingdom’s execution of prominent cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.

The UN Security Council urged Saudi Arabia and Iran to avoid actions that could raise tensions in the region after the kingdom's execution of prominent cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.

The statement by the 15-member council urged the sides to "maintain dialogue and take steps to reduce tensions in the region."

It condemned the attack on the Saudi missions in Iran by protesters who were angered by the execution of Sheikh Nimr.

Saudi authorities announced on Saturday it had executed Sheikh Nimr. He was a vocal supporter of the mass pro-democracy protests against Riyadh, which erupted in Eastern Province in 2011, where a Shia majority has long complained of marginalization.

Meanwhile, the council made no mention of the Saudi execution Sheikh Nimr. It called on Iran “to protect diplomatic and consular property and personnel.”

Iranian officials have said some 50 people were detained over the incidents outside the Saudi embassy in Tehran and its consulate in Mashhad.

President Hassan Rouhani denounced the assaults and pledged to deal firmly with "unruly" elements.