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Iranians are expected to see the new ban on hookah use in Iran as a direct blow to tourism.
Iran has long been accused of banning hookah usage on the grounds that it could be used by terrorist groups, but this ban will have a knock-on effect on the industry, which has been in decline due to the nuclear deal with the West.
It is unclear how the ban will impact the industry.
A ban is one of many measures Iran is taking to curb the smuggling of illegal goods into the country, including by banning imports from overseas.
Iran is also currently under an economic sanctions deal, and is expected to sign a second one shortly.
The ban has prompted concern among some travelers who say they were forced to leave Iran as part of the ban.
Iranian travel agency IRIB is also warning that the ban could affect travelers to the Middle East, and warns that many of them will have to travel abroad without valid visas.
Iranian authorities have also warned that hookah users could face charges of illegal consumption of alcohol.
The ban is also expected to affect tourists from the Middle Eastern countries.
More to come
