More pragmatic politicians, such as Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, would prefer to re-open negotiations with the West to avoid open confrontation.

更多务实的政客，比如阿亚图拉•阿克巴尔•哈什米•拉夫桑贾尼(Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani)更主张与西方各国重开和谈大门，避免公开冲突。

youdao

In a sharp attack on Iranian leaders last Friday, former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani warned those in power to "abide by the will of the people" and heal the wounds of the recent crisis.

VOA: standard.2009.07.20

Mr.Bani Sadr says he thinks the Iranian regime is "sharply divided" and its fate depends on whether opposition reformists, including Mr.Moussavi,Ayatollah Karroubi and former President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani decide to oppose Ayatollah Khamenei.

VOA: standard.2009.06.14

Former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has accused Iran's leaders of incompetence and ignorance, an opposition website reports.

BBC: From the section Middle East

So does former president Hashemi Rafsanjani, regarded as sympathetic to some of the opposition's grievances.

BBC: High stakes game at Iran nuclear talks

When Coke entered Iran in 1990, it teamed up with a relative of Iranian president Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.

FORBES: The Red Empire