Minister
Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts
Dr. Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri is an esteemed Iranian political figure and academic, currently serving as the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts since August 2024. Born in 1961 in Babol, Mazandaran Province, Dr. Salehi Amiri has an extensive background in political science, holding both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in the field, as well as a Ph.D. in Public Administration. Dr. Salehi Amiri's distinguished career spans a variety of important governmental roles. From August to November 2013, he served as the Acting Minister of Sports and Youth, followed by his appointment as Advisor to the President and Head of the National Library and Archives of Iran from March 2014 to October 2016. His leadership extended to cultural affairs, where he served as Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance from November 2016 to August 2017. In 2017, he transitioned to a role as Deputy Mayor of Tehran, focusing on Social and Cultural Affairs until January 2018, when he assumed the presidency of the National Olympic Committee of Iran, a position he held until September 2022. Beyond his ministerial roles, Dr. Salehi Amiri has held numerous influential positions in national security and strategic affairs. He is the Chairman of the Social Committee of the Supreme National Security Council, a member of the Executive Board of the Center for Strategic Studies, and has contributed significantly as a member of various councils, including the National Social Council and the Government Information Council. His academic and professional expertise is reflected in his tenure as Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of several leading scientific and institutional journals, as well as his role as a University Professor. Married with three daughters, Dr. Salehi Amiri's career has been defined by his commitment to public service, cultural advancement, and national development. His broad experience and leadership continue to shape Iran's policies in cultural heritage, tourism, and social affairs.