Ahmadinejad fought for Iranian (territorial) nationalism against religious nationalism

Reza Aslan, an Iranian-American and author of Zealot: The life and times of Jesus of Nazareth, argues that former Ahmadinejad was the first president to challenge the power of Iranian clerics and so we will soon miss him, despite our contempt for what he stood for. (See Missing Mahmoud_(Ahmadinejad)?)

Ahmadinejad promoted Iran's glorious past and an 'Iranian Islam', showing his preference for Iran over Islam. He also claimed to be in communication with the Hidden Imam, thus striking at the heart of clergy's argument that they are ruling on behalf of the Hidden Imam.

During the 20th century (and maybe even before), Iranians and their leaders have swayed between linguistic/territorial nationalism and religious nationalism.Some of the leaders promoted their choice of nationalism and tried to stamp out the other one, like Reza Shah/Khan and Imam Khomeini. Others preferred one type but didn't tried to forcefully negate other. Reza Shah's son and the last Shah, Muhammad Reza Shah  falls into this category though many people would not agree. Muhammad Reza Shah, like Ahmadinejad, tried to mix territorial nationalism with religion. Although, his preference was clearly territorial nationalism focusing on monarchy, he used religion too. He visited religious shrines, claimed to be visited/protected by Shia Imams and imam of Tehran was present on airport to give blessings to Shah every time Shah went for a foreign trip. 

Similarly, contrary to the popular image, leaders after Islamic revolution in 1979 have also tried use territorial/Persian nationalism while preferring religious nationalism. Imam Khomeini tried to end nauroz festival but backed out after resistance from Iranians. Currently, nauroz is main annual holiday in Islamic Republic and Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khomenei addresses the nation on this festival that has nothing to do with Islam. Similarly, Iran's religious rulers have preferred Christian Armenians over fellow Muslims and fellow Shia brethren of Azerbaijan to support Iranian integrity.