Notable excerpts from the memoirs of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani on the Iranian nuclear file highlight...

— Circulated on Iranian social media platforms.

#Historical_Memory

From the memoirs of Hashemi Rafsanjani:

September 25, 2003: Mohammad Khatami visited me in the evening. We agreed on nuclear issues, and I advised him not to consider resignation and to continue his work.

October 1, 2003: In a consultative meeting, Ali Khamenei agreed—under conditions—to implement the Additional Protocol, but opposed suspending enrichment demanded by Europe, the US, and Russia. Rouhani, Kharrazi, and Khatami called for a temporary suspension.

October 12, 2003: Hassan Rouhani came in the evening and said ElBaradei had issued threats, and Europeans had not yet sent negotiators. The government was under pressure, and Khatami was being pushed hard. It was said the Supreme Leader also accepted a temporary suspension of enrichment.

October 21, 2003: Iran agreed to sign the Additional Protocol and temporarily suspend enrichment in exchange for recognition of its right to peaceful nuclear energy.

October 25, 2003: Members of the Expediency Council expressed dissatisfaction with the decision-making process, saying the system’s prestige had been damaged. I said the Supreme Leader was under pressure from all sides.

October 27, 2003: The Supreme Leader only agreed to delay gas injection, without stopping other activities, but Rouhani wanted more.

November 2, 2003: At an iftar gathering, the Supreme Leader said transparency aimed to thwart US efforts to form a coalition against Iran, and that Iran was committed to the nuclear fuel cycle. Khatami, however, announced suspension of fuel production, revealing inconsistency.

February 17, 2004: The Supreme Leader was determined not to concede on the fuel cycle issue, even if it led to confrontation.

May 25, 2004: The Supreme Leader asked me to support lifting the suspension proposal. I advised delay to give Rouhani and the government time and avoid a harsh Western reaction. July 7, 2004: The US and Israel openly threatened Iran, and the Supreme Leader stated that retaliation would not be limited to any specific location.

July 28, 2004: Austria officially reported that Israel intended to strike Iranian nuclear facilities.

August 10, 2004: It was decided to begin enrichment.

September 27, 2004: The Supreme Leader described nuclear technology as a red line, stating that if one day it were decided to stop it, he would no longer remain in his position.

November 1, 2004: Despite his opposition, the Supreme Leader agreed to conditional suspension after others approved.

November 15, 2004: The European statement was issued; Rouhani provided strong justifications, and ElBaradei expressed satisfaction with Iran’s current cooperation despite criticism of past concealment.

November 29, 2004: Rouhani thanked me for repeatedly helping resolve complications.