Free Republic

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran said on Saturday turnout was high in elections for local councils and a powerful clerical body, with some initial reports suggesting allies of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad might not have won resounding backing. But analysts said it was too early to see a clear trend in Friday's vote, the first popularity test for Ahmadinejad since he took office last year. Any sign of softer support for Ahmadinejad would encourage Western governments alarmed by his anti- Israel statements and fears Iran is seeking nuclear weapons, which Tehran denies. Most official results for the twin polls for councilors and...