Early election results show Iran's hard-liners losing ground to reformists

Early results from Iran's parliamentary elections show reformists receiving a strong backing while the nation's once dominant hard-liners are losing ground, The Associated Press reports. Friday's election was the first since Iran reached an agreement with the U.S. and other world powers to curb its nuclear program, an agenda that was championed by moderate President Hassan Rouhani.

Neither the reformists, the conservatives, nor the hard-liners are expected to gain a majority of the 290-seat legislature, although the reformists are having their best showing in over a decade. If the reformists do indeed come out on top, it could mean continued progress toward easing religious social restrictions and a better relationship with the international community.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up