Support for Rouhani and a Nuanced Pragmatism
Despite being a conservative by orientation, Tavakoli demonstrated a pragmatic approach when it came to supporting political figures whose policies he viewed as more aligned with institutional stability and reform. After the election of Hassan Rouhani in 2013, Tavakoli expressed cautious support for the new administration, especially for its moderate economic and foreign policy initiatives.
He defended several cabinet appointments, including the controversial nomination of Jafar Tofiqi as acting Minister of Science. Despite Tofiqi’s ties to reformist figures like Mohammad Reza Aref, Tavakoli viewed him as someone who believed in the system and the revolution, even if his political views leaned more centrist.
“We cannot choose a fundamentalist for this ministry; of course, we must use a reformist who adheres to the revolution and the principles of the system… By taking over the leadership of Dr. Aref’s campaign, Mr. Tofiqi intended to stand up to those boycotting the elections, because he accepts the system and the revolution.”
In this and other moments, Tavakoli displayed a kind of pragmatic conservatism—supporting individuals not based on their factional allegiance, but on their commitment to the Islamic Republic’s broader stability and reform potential.
The Ahmadinejad Years: A Regretful Vote
Tavakoli’s relationship with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad represents another important chapter in his political evolution. Initially supportive of Ahmadinejad’s campaign in 2005, Tavakoli later emerged as one of his harshest critics. In a revealing admission, Tavakoli once said: