• Research
  • Emissary
  • About
  • Experts
Carnegie Global logoCarnegie lettermark logo
DemocracyIran
  • Donate
The Iranian Nuclear Crisis: A Memoir
Book

The Iranian Nuclear Crisis: A Memoir

The first detailed Iranian account of the diplomatic struggle between Iran and the international community, begins in 2002 and takes the reader into Tehran’s deliberations as its leaders wrestle with internal and external adversaries.

Link Copied
By Seyed Hossein Mousavian
Published on May 3, 2012

Additional Links

Nook - $10.39Paperback - $19.95Hardback - $49.95Kindle - $15.99iTunes - $15.99
Program mobile hero image

Program

Nuclear Policy

The Nuclear Policy Program works to reduce the risk of nuclear catastrophe. Our experts identify and analyze dangers, and then use our global network to advance concrete and pragmatic risk-reduction policies relating to deterrence and international security, arms control, nonproliferation, and nuclear energy.

Learn More
Program mobile hero image

Program

South Asia

The South Asia Program informs policy debates relating to the region’s security, economy, and political development. From strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific to India’s internal dynamics and U.S. engagement with the region, the program offers in-depth, rigorous research and analysis on South Asia’s most critical challenges.

Learn More

Source: Washington, DC: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 2012

The first detailed Iranian account of the diplomatic struggle between Iran and the international community, The Iranian Nuclear Crisis: A Memoir begins in 2002, when news about Iran’s clandestine uranium enrichment and plutonium production facilities emerged, and takes the reader into Tehran’s deliberations as its leaders wrestle with internal and external adversaries.

Seyed Hossein Mousavian, previously the head of the Foreign Relations Committee of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and spokesman for Tehran’s nuclear negotiating team, provides readers with intimate knowledge of Iran’s interactions with the International Atomic Energy Agency and global powers.

Mousavian’s personal story comes alive as he vividly recounts his arrest in 2007 on charges of espionage. This and other dramatic episodes of diplomatic missions tell much about the author and the swirling dynamics of Iranian politics and diplomacy—undercurrents that must be understood now more than ever.

As intense debate continues over the direction of Iran’s nuclear program, Mousavian weighs the likely effects of military strikes, covert action, sanctions, and diplomatic engagement, along with their potential to resolve the nuclear crisis.

Advance Praise

“A fascinating, insightful, and new treatment from the perspective of an intimately involved former Iranian senior official on Iran’s nuclear program and responses to it. For those familiar with the details, there is much new information about the Iran side, its ideas, strategies, disputes, and aims. U.S. experts will have some key questions but will learn much from this extraordinary book.”

—Thomas R. Pickering, former U.S. under secretary of state

"…remarkable new book…"    

—David Ignatius, Washington Post

“…a fascinating insider’s account…”

—Philip Stephens, Financial Times

About the Author

Seyed Hossein Mousavian

Princeton University

Seyed Hossein Mousavian
Princeton University

Additional Links

Nook - $10.39Paperback - $19.95Hardback - $49.95Kindle - $15.99iTunes - $15.99
Middle EastIranPolitical ReformSecurityNuclear Policy

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

More Work from Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

  • Commentary
    The Spring and Autumn of Chinese Politics

    China’s political future will be shaped between now and next October. As the Communist Party enters its intense “campaign season” to prepare for a major political transition in 2027, reading Beijing's actions and responses may become more difficult as domestic politics weigh on its behavior more than usual.

      • Damien Ma

      Damien Ma

  • Commentary
    Carnegie Politika
    Why Has Tokyo’s Response to Kremlin Challenges Been So Muted?

    Japan’s long-term security policy is driven by concerns about China, and there is little appetite for (or interest in) pursuing a confrontation with Moscow.  

      James D.J. Brown

  • Commentary
    Strategic Europe
    Containing Escalation in the Black Sea

    Russia is testing the waters of NATO’s mutual defense clause. What do strikes in Romanian territorial waters mean for the alliance’s posture toward Moscow?

      Dimitar Bechev

  • Article
    Can China Turn Its Small Modular Reactor Ambitions into Commercial Reality?

    China has showcased its engineering prowess with small modular reactor demonstration projects. But turning these technological achievements into commercial success will be a greater challenge.

      Tong Zhao

  • Three men talking and laughing
    Commentary
    Emissary
    The Mecca Pact and the Limits of American Guarantees

    Why Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey are joining forces on regional security.

      Alper Coşkun, Amr Hamzawy

Get more news and analysis from
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Carnegie global logo, stacked
1779 Massachusetts Avenue NWWashington, DC, 20036-2103Phone: 202 483 7600
  • Research
  • Emissary
  • About
  • Experts
  • Donate
  • Programs
  • Events
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts
  • Contact
  • Annual Reports
  • Careers
  • Privacy
  • For Media
  • Government Resources
Get more news and analysis from
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
© 2026 Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. All rights reserved.