Iran election could see country come in from the cold

Iran's shift toward friendlier relations with the west appears to have received public backing in landmark elections, with early results suggesting overwhelming support for president Hassan Rouhani and his reformist partners in the country.

The result, which will come as a surprise to many, could accelerate Iran's emergency from years of diplomatic isolation by loosening the hold of anti-western hardliners who currently dominate the 290-seat parliament.

Rouhani, whose controversial nuclear deal with western nations last year prompted the removal of its most painful economic sanctions, hailed the result, saying: "The people showed their power once again and gave more credibility and strength to their elected government."

Analysts have viewed the result as a potential turning point for Iran, where nearly 60% of the 80 million population is under 30. Many are keen to see the country's leadership engaging with the wider world.

ITV News' Foreign Affairs Editor Rageh Omaar has been in Tehran throughout the vote, and notes that sections of the media are now calling for a new government to "clean up parliament".

Millions crowded polling stations on Friday to vote in the elections for parliament and the Assembly of Experts, which selects the country's highest authority: the supreme leader. Both bodies have been dominated by hardliners for years.

Among those elected to parliament so far are 20 women, a record tally in Iranian history.

Also assured of winning his seat was Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, a key ally of Rouhani.

The election appears to be a blow to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameni, who was deeply wary of the nuclear agreement and had close ties to the hardliners.