Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei cast his vote in the presidential election within minutes of the polls opening.
"Election Day is a day of joy and pride for us Iranians. High voter turnout is essential for the Islamic Republic," - Khamenei said in a broadcast by IRIB TV. - "We urge everyone to take voting seriously and participate in this crucial political event."
He stressed that "the strength, dignity, and honor of the Islamic Republic" depend on the active participation of Iranians in the election.
Polling stations across Iran opened on June 28 at 8:00 AM local time (7:30 AM Moscow time). The election is being held following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19. Four candidates are vying for the presidency: three conservatives and one reformist.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Zuma\TASS
Based on TASS materials