California satellite imaging company Planet Labs said it would stop releasing visuals of Iran and the surrounding areas at the request of the U.S. government. 

The company reportedly announced the decision in an emailed statement to customers, saying that the government had asked satellite imagery companies to indefinitely withhold images from the region impacted by the Israeli- and U.S.-led conflict. 

The ban is designed to make it more difficult for Iran and its proxies to strike against Israeli and U.S. targets in the region. 

The company said it would withhold historical data dating back to March 9 and that it would keep the ban in place for the duration of the conflict.