During the years preceding the Islamic Revolution, Khatami became associated with religious intellectual circles critical of the Pahlavi monarchy.
Following the 1979 revolution and the establishment of the Islamic Republic, he entered formal politics.
In 1980, Khatami was elected to the first Islamic Consultative Assembly, representing Ardakan and Meybod. His parliamentary activities introduced him to national policymaking and the emerging political institutions of the Islamic Republic.
He subsequently became the representative of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini at the Kayhan Institute, an influential Iranian media organization.
His responsibilities included supervising the institution during a period of significant political and ideological transformation.
These early appointments established Khatami as a figure within the political establishment and prepared him for senior government responsibilities.
Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance
In 1982, Khatami became Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, a position he held until 1992.
During this period, Iran experienced major political and social changes, including the Iran-Iraq War, which lasted from 1980 to 1988.
As minister, Khatami oversaw important aspects of cultural policy, including publishing, cinema, literature, artistic activities, and the regulation of cultural institutions.
