British Airways resumed direct flights to Tehran last week after four years of suspension due to Western sanctions on Iran.

The airline, owned by IAG, becomes the second European carrier to resume flights to Iran after Air France.

The first BA flight left Heathrow on Thursday evening.

"British Airways has a long history of flying to Iran so we are very excited to be launching our new six times a week service, direct from Heathrow to Tehran”, said a spokesman.

The service follows the relaxation of sanctions against Iran and the reopening of the British embassy in the Iranian capital last year which was ransacked by protesters in 2011. - Reuters