He served as Khomeini’s mediator in disputes with dissident groups and advocated for tolerance and inclusivity within the nascent Islamic Republic.Despite his close association with Khomeini, Taleghani was not devoid of differences with the Supreme Leader. In April 1979, tensions between the two came to a head, leading to a public clash. Taleghani’s outspoken warnings against a “return to despotism” resonated with many Iranians, earning him widespread support. However, his sons’ arrests by revolutionary guards underscored the complexities of his relationship with the regime.