AKIPRESS.COM - Millions of Iranians are voting in two key elections - the first since a deal with world powers over Iran's nuclear programme and the lifting of sanctions.

Voters are choosing a new parliament and Assembly of Experts, a clerical body that appoints the Supreme Leader. Reformists are hoping to increase their influence in both institutions, which have been dominated by conservatives, reports BBC.

The result could affect reformist President Hassan Rouhani's chances of re-election in 2017.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called for a big turnout to "disappoint our enemies".

"Whoever likes Iran and its dignity, greatness and glory should vote. Iran has enemies. They are eyeing us greedily... People should be observant and vote with open eyes and should vote wisely," he said after casting his vote.

The parliamentary elections are to elect 290 MPs for four-year terms. Voters will also select 88 clerics to the Assembly of Experts, who serve eight-year terms.

Members of the new Assembly might end up choosing the successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, who is 76 and has suffered ill-health.

Polls opened at 08:00 (04:30 GMT) and close at 18:00, with some 55 million people eligible to vote. But officials say polling stations could stay open longer if there are queues and more time is needed.

BBC Persian's Ali Hamedani says the economy has been a key issue in this election. With sanctions lifted and Western investors beginning to return to Iran, there are high hopes for an improvement in daily life, he says.