Polls close in first Iran election since historic nuclear deal

Moderates and reformists in Iran have won a majority of seats in the Assembly of Experts, which elects the country's most powerful official - the Supreme Leader.

It is seen as a boost to President Rouhani, but a large blow to Iran's hardliners, with two prominent conservative clerics, losing their seats in the 88-member assembly.

The moderates and reformists won 59 percent of the assembly's seats throughout the country.

In the capital Tehran, they won 15 out of the 16 seats available.

ITV News Middle East News Editor tweeted that it was a "major victory" for President Rouhani.

The new make-up of the Assembly of Experts is seen as particularly significant due to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's reported ill-health.

The vote for members of the Assembly of Experts was also held on the same day as Iran's parliamentary elections.

The elections were the first since international sanctions were lifted in July after a significant nuclear deal with a group of world powers that include the UK and US.

The counting of tens of millions of votes is underway in Iran this evening after the polls closed in the nation's first election since a landmark nuclear deal with world powers was struck last year.

Polling was extended five times and ran nearly six hours longer than originally planned due to a high turnout.

The twinned elections for parliament and the leadership body called the Assembly of Experts could be pivotal as experts suggest the outcome will have a "crucial impact" on where the country is heading.

Voting has been extended a fourth time in Iran's national elections amid big demand at polling stations.

Iran has extended today's crucial twin elections for parliament and the Assembly of Experts until 8pm local time, after experiencing a "rush of voters," state TV reports.

"Polling hours have been extended by two hours until 8pm," (1630 GMT) state TV quoted the interior ministry as saying.

• Updates: Polls open in first Iran election since historic nuclear deal

Voting halls in Iran's capital Tehran are "absolutely packed" as the country votes in crucial twin elections.

ITV News International Affairs Editor Rageh Omaar reports from inside one polling station:

• Iran: Why this election is so pivotal in deciding the country's future

Iran's former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has told ITV News International Affairs Editor Rageh Omaar that today's elections will have a "crucial impact" on where the country is heading.

The influential politician spoke as he cast his vote is in Tehran, where Iranians are turning out to the polls in their thousands.

• Iran: Why this election is so pivotal in deciding the country's future

ITV News International Affairs Editor Rageh Omaar is in Tehran, where Iranians are turning out in their thousands for today's key twin elections:

• Updates: Polls open in first Iran election since historic nuclear deal