(VOVworld) - Iranians were voting on Friday in parliamentary elections, the country's first since its landmark nuclear deal with world powers last summer.

The economy has been a key issue for voters in these elections (Photo: EPA)

The vote is seen as a referendum on the policies of moderate President Hassan Rouhani, credited with bringing about the deal that curbed Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of crippling international sanctions. Nearly 55 million voters cast their ballots for the 290-member parliament and the 88-member Experts Assembly. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said foreign investment is expected to increase, creating more jobs, especially as the country’s unemployment rate among the youth is at 25 percent.