Millions of Iranians are awaiting a final result in the country's presidential election, following a day of voting marked by high turnout and long queues.
Election officials kept some polling stations open for several hours after the scheduled close of polls because of the high volume of voters.
With 80% of the vote counted, incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad appeared set for victory, leaving supporters of his reformist rival Mir Hossein Mousavi dejected.
It was expected to be a tight contest. The leading contenders were Mr Ahmadinejad, a hardliner, and Mr Mousavi, a moderate former prime minister.
Unprecedented televised debates between rival candidates led to a surge of interest among Iranians.
Mr Ahmadinejad was hoping to keep the support of the urban poor and those in rural areas who view him as a man of the people.
Women showed great interest in this year's election and many were expected to vote for moderate candidates promising more social freedoms.
Zahra Rahnavard, wife of Mr Mousavi, helped to put women's issues on the agenda in this election.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, told Iranians to vote "based on their own views and decisions". "God willing, the best and the most deserving person will be elected," he added.
Former reformist President Mohammad Khatami was among the voters. The campaign fever has been reminiscent of the mood before his election in 1997.
The election is being watched closely in the US, Israel, and Europe for signs of a possible shift in the country's attitude to the rest of the world.
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