Iranian flights to return nationals from Iraq amid political unrest

Following the escalation of tensions in Iraq, the Civil Aviation Organization of Iran has arranged plans to bring the Iranian nationals back home from Najaf, an official said.

Speaking to Tasnim, the spokesman for the Civil Aviation Organization of Iran unveiled plans for emergency flights to Iraq’s Najaf to return the Iranian travelers from the Arab country.

All flights to Iraq operated by the Iranian airlines have been canceled after the escalation of tensions in the Arab country.

Iraq has been in a political deadlock since last October’s general elections. Rival parties have failed to agree on the formation of a new government, leading to protests and occupation of parliament.

The political bloc led by prominent cleric Muqtada al-Sadr emerged as the biggest parliamentary faction in the election, but fell short of an absolute majority needed to form a government, causing the existing political stalemate in the country.

Earlier on Monday, Sadr announced that he is quitting political life and closing his political offices. In his statement, Sadr also attacked his political opponents, saying that they had failed to heed his calls for reform.

Following the announcement, Sadr’s supporters stormed the Republican Palace, which is a ceremonial building inside Baghdad's fortified Green Zone of government buildings, clashing with security forces who finally gained control of the palace.

At least 20 people have been killed in the violence in Baghdad’s Green Zone, medical sources said.

Iraq’s state media has reported that Muqtada al-Sadr is on a hunger strike until the use of force by security units against his followers stops