Despite it being widely reported on 28 February that the reformists and moderates had made large gains in parliament, Iranian state television on Sunday night reported a nationwide triumph for hardliners.

The gains made by hardliners suggests a mixed vote outside of the capital, where reformists have won every seat, accounting for 30 of the 290 parliamentary positions. The Tehran seats are historically of great influence, with lawmakers from the capital setting the political course.

Reports of a split vote outside of the capital indicate no one will have full control of the parliament.

Allegations of foreign interference were made last night by hardline cleric, Sadeq Larijani. He accused reformists of working with “American and English media outlets” during the vote.

More than 30 million Iranians voted last Friday in the parliamentary elections, and the elections for the Assembly of Experts.

Ayatollah Khamenei said the turnout, at 60 per cent, showed “the brilliant face of religious democracy to the world”, Iran’s conservative Tasnim news agency reported.

The official results are expected to be released by the Interior Ministry on Tuesday.