Ahmad Tavakoli (1955 – 1 Mordad 1404 / July 23, 2025) was an influential figure in the political landscape of the Islamic Republic of Iran. A longstanding conservative voice and a staunch advocate for transparency, social justice, and economic reform, Tavakoli’s political journey was characterized by both loyalty to the Islamic Republic and a willingness to critique the very system he helped shape.
He held many critical roles over the decades—from parliamentarian and minister to journalist and founder of anti-corruption watchdogs. A second-place finisher in two presidential elections, a fierce opponent of corruption, and a powerful orator, Tavakoli carved a reputation as a principled and courageous voice among Iran’s conservative factions.
Early Life and Ancestry
Ahmad Tavakoli was born in 1955 in Behshahr, a city in the northern province of Mazandaran. His family lineage reflects Iran’s historical ties with its neighbors. His ancestor, a merchant from Isfahan, conducted trade with Russia and the Caucasus during the final years of the Tsarist regime. The outbreak of the Bolshevik Revolution dramatically altered the family’s fortunes. Bankrupted by the economic chaos and civil unrest following the revolution, his ancestor moved the family permanently to the lush northern regions of Iran.