In April 1992, by decree of Ali Khamenei, he was appointed as a temporary Friday prayer leader in the capital. The position of Friday prayer leader carries both religious and political significance, as sermons often address current events and articulate official perspectives. For years, he delivered sermons that reflected conservative interpretations of governance, social policy, and foreign relations. However, in later years his appearances became less frequent, and he ultimately stepped down from the position in 2017, with his resignation accepted by Ali Khamenei.
His influence extended further when he assumed leadership roles within the Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for overseeing and, if necessary, appointing the Supreme Leader. In 2007, he ran for the chairmanship of the Assembly but was defeated by Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. Despite this setback, he remained an active and influential member. In the fifth term of the Assembly, beginning in 2016, he again sought the chairmanship. Competing with figures such as Seyyed Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi and Ebrahim Amini, he secured 51 votes and was elected speaker. He served in this capacity from 2016 to 2024, presiding over sessions that carried considerable constitutional importance.
