BAGHDAD — Iraq will impose a nationwide curfew starting at 19:00, local time, after initially applying the measure on the capital Baghdad, the Joint Operations Command said on Monday.

The move is in response to protests by supporters of influential cleric Moqtada Al-Sadr, who stormed the Republican Palace in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone to vent out their anger over the political deadlock that prompted Al-Sadr to quit politics.

Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi has ordered the suspension of cabinet sessions until further notice as a result of the unrest, INA news agency reported.

The Iraqi security forces urged the protesters to withdraw immediately from the Green Zone, after storming it by supporters of Sadrist movement leader Muqtada Al-Sadr.

In a statement, the Armed Forces reaffirmed commitment to maximum restraint to maintain safety and security and protect the citizens.

Acknowledging the right to peaceful demonstration under the provisions of constitution and law, the statement reaffirmed the security forces' commitment to preserving the safety and stability of the country.

Influential cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr announced earlier his resignation completely from politics.

Iraq's political leaders called for more dialogue as the solution to the country's lingering stalemate over forming a new government, agreeing that such a measure was necessary to end the conflict.

Outgoing President Barham Salih, Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi and chief lawmaker Mohammad Al-Halbousi, amid talks, collectively urged for more national dialogue in a bid to discuss all initiatives and suggestions aiming to end the stalemate, said a joint statement.

The leaders warned against any move that risks "exacerbating" the political conflict, which subsequently helps bring the country's opposing parties closer together, it added. — Agencies