Before fully immersing himself in politics, Ayat worked as a journalist between 1958 and 1965. During these years, he wrote for Ettela’at, one of the leading Iranian newspapers of the time. His work as a journalist honed his writing skills and allowed him to observe the political environment of pre-revolutionary Iran closely. Through his journalism, Ayat was exposed to the growing dissatisfaction with the Shah’s regime, which had fostered economic disparities and political repression. These experiences deepened his commitment to political change.
The newspaper industry in Iran at the time was subject to heavy censorship, and many journalists faced the threat of arrest if they spoke out against the Shah. Nonetheless, Ayat used his position at Ettela’at to engage with intellectuals, politicians, and revolutionaries, making connections that would later support his political career. His time as a journalist proved invaluable as he developed a nuanced understanding of Iranian politics and the challenges that lay ahead for the nation.