Iran's Khamenei says voting in parliamentary election 'a religious duty'

FILE PHOTO: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks live on television after casting his ballot in the Iranian presidential election in Tehran June 12, 2009. REUTERS/Caren Firouz/File Photo/File Photo

DUBAI (Reuters) - Casting a vote in Iran's parliamentary election is "a religious duty", the country's top authority Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reiterated on Friday after voting in Tehran, broadcast live on state TV.

"Voting is a religious duty ... which will also guarantee the national interests of Iran ... I am urging Iranians to vote early," Khamenei said.