Iraq’s Najaf International Airport has suspended all flights to and from Iran until further notice.

The suspension took effect at 2:00 a.m. (GMT+3). The decision was made in accordance with instructions from Iraq’s competent state authorities, Iran International reports.

The airport administration said relevant directives had been issued to airlines and operators.

Earlier, Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization announced that Baghdad International Airport had stopped accepting flights operated by Iranian airlines.

The suspension is also expected to affect flights carrying Iranian pilgrims, for whom Najaf serves as an important transit point on the way to Iraq’s religious centers, including Karbala.