In Iran's snap presidential elections, the moderate candidate Massoud Pezeshkian and hardliner Saeed Jalili are running neck-and-neck.

With over 14 million votes counted so far, Pezeshkian has secured more than 5.9 million votes, while Jalili has gained over 5.5 million.

The voter turnout is estimated at around 40%, lower than expected.

The election is significant as it follows the death of former president Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash and coincides with escalating regional tensions.

A run-off between the top two candidates is likely if neither candidate secures over 50% of the votes.

The election's outcome may influence the succession of the 85-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, though it is not expected to shift Iran's major policies.