As president from 1997 to 2005, Khatami championed civil society, freedom of expression, and rule of law. His administration supported the expansion of newspapers, academic forums, and NGOs. He introduced the concept of “Dialogue of Civilizations,” a counter-narrative to the global discourse of a “Clash of Civilizations.” In 2001, the United Nations adopted this idea and declared it the International Year of Dialogue Among Civilizations—an international acknowledgment of Khatami’s diplomatic intellect.
However, his presidency also encountered severe resistance from entrenched conservative elements in the Iranian system. The judiciary, the Guardian Council, and the security apparatus repeatedly blocked or undermined his efforts at reform. Two reformist newspapers were shut down during his tenure. Student protests were violently suppressed. Khatami often found himself in the paradoxical position of advocating change within a structure resistant to it.
The Baran Foundation and Post-Presidency Influence
Following the end of his presidency, Khatami did not retire into silence. Instead, he founded the Baran Foundation (Foundation for Freedom, Growth, and Development of Iran), focusing on cultural dialogue and political reform. Though he avoided direct confrontation with hardline factions, his continued popularity and reformist orientation kept him under surveillance.