The former president of Iran has died, according to state media.

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who was in power between 1989 and 1997, died in hospital in Tehran where he was taken after suffering a heart attack on Sunday.

State run Press TV said Rafsanjani, 82, died from the heart problems despite efforts by doctors to save him.

Rafsanjani was an influential figure in Iran and headed the Expediency Council, a body which is intended to resolve disputes between the parliament and the Guardian Council.

Tasnim news agency also quoted his relative and aide Hossein Marashi as saying that Rafsanjani had died at the hospital in Tehran.

Former Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, pictured, has died aged 82