As culture minister he promoted freedom of the press, saying it helps to prevent the accumulation of "negative anxieties" in society.

[2] However his efforts were undermined by the judiciary which was controlled by the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, which ordered the closure of over 100 newspapers during Jamei's tenure as culture minister[3] Jamei protested against the closure of newspapers and arrest of journalists without effect.

[4] Following the election Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as president in the Iranian presidential election of 2005, Jamei was appointed managing director of the International Center for Dialogue Among Civilizations, an organization founded by Khatami.

[5] After 2013 local election, he was nominated as chairman of City Council of Tehran by Reformists.

On 3 September 2013, Masjed-Jamei was elected as chairman by 16 out of 31 votes and succeeded Mehdi Chamran in the post.