Tehran,�January 6, The Iran Project � Iranian senior clerics have slammed Saudi Arabia for the execution of prominent�Shia cleric�Sheikh Nimr�al-Nimr, saying that they broke off diplomatic ties with Iran in an attempt to distract the world from their criminal acts.

Referring to Saudi�s cutting diplomatic ties with Iran as a way of distracting the world from the execution of Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr Baqr al-Nimr, Grand Ayatollah Naser�Makarem Shirazi expressed satisfaction with Saudi�s decision to break off relations with Iran and said that Iran�s relation with Saudi Arabia was a defect that was removed.

He also criticized those who attacked Saudi�s embassy in Tehran over "Nimr al-Nimr" execution.

Grand�Ayatollah Nouri-Hamedani also condemned Saudi Arabia�s recent mass execution of 47 including the respected Shia Muslim cleric Sheikh Nimr�al-Nimr, saying that Saudi Arabia has built its government based on such criminal acts.

Taking such criminal actions, Saudis are seeking US and Israel�s support, he added.

Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic relations with Iran on Sunday following�demonstrations held in front of the Saudi embassy in Tehran and its consulate in the northeastern city of Mashhad by angry protesters�censuring the Al Saud family for the killing of the top Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr.