Early Government Roles
Aref’s political career began in the 1980s when he took on various positions within Iran’s educational and telecommunication sectors. He served as the Deputy Minister of Education and Student Affairs and later became the head of the Iran Telecommunication Company. His leadership in these roles laid the foundation for his future political endeavors.
Presidency of the University of Tehran
In 1994, Aref was appointed as the President of the University of Tehran, a position that allowed him to shape Iran’s higher education policies. He was a strong advocate for student organizations and academic freedoms. Notably, he resisted attempts to ban the reformist philosopher Abdolkarim Soroush from teaching at the university.
Ministerial Role and Vice Presidency
With the election of Mohammad Khatami in 1997, Aref was appointed Minister of Post, Telegraph, and Telephone. His tenure was marked by significant advancements in Iran’s telecommunications sector. In 1999, he became the first head of the Management and Planning Organization and later served as the First Vice President of Iran until 2005. As First Vice President, he played a crucial role in implementing Khatami’s reformist policies.