He served as vice president in charge of executive affairs during the presidency of his older brother, Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, and later under the first cabinet of President Mohammad Khatami. He was also the head of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting for 12 and half years, and was replaced by Ali Larijani in the post.
He played a key role as vice president in charge of executive affairs during his older brother Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani's presidency, and later under President Mohammad Khatami's first administration. He was also the head of state-run broadcasting for 12.5 years before being replaced by Ali Larijani.