Memories of Akbar Hashemi - February 7, 2002 - Continuing Meetings with Ali Larijani and Consultations on the Risk of Conflict with the U.S. and Remarks on Sheikh Mehdi Karroubi’s Statements in Parliament

In the continuation of regular meetings with Ali Larijani and various consultations with Hashemi, this time discussions revolved around the danger of conflict with the U.S. and quotes regarding the reproach and threats directed at Sheikh Mehdi Karroubi following his statements in Parliament.

Additionally, there were comments regarding the positions and speech of Seyed Ali Akbar Mohtashami Pour in the Sixth Parliament against Seyed Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi, suggesting that the doubts about his citizenship stem from a longstanding personal animosity, which is both strange and interesting. Other consultations included the qualifications and actions of the Supreme National Security Council and the possibility of pretense regarding the reported illness of President Mohammad Khatami.

Complete Daily Report:

George Bush, [President of the United States], while speaking to firefighters, along with [Colin] Powell, [Secretary of State], in the Foreign Relations Committee of the House of Representatives, and George Tenet, the head of the CIA, reiterated Bush’s comments regarding Iran and explicitly mentioned the change of government in Iraq; although it seems that the U.S. would act alone if necessary.

Security problems, famine, and humanitarian aid in Afghanistan have caused concerns for the U.S. and its allies, having given hope to the Afghan people with promises they can no longer fulfill, increasingly boasting about artistic and liberal achievements. The U.S. has acknowledged that it made mistakes in recent operations in northern Kandahar, killing 18 people and capturing 28, which have now been revealed to be ordinary citizens, and has released the captives.

King Abdullah II of Jordan, while in the U.S., endorsed Bush’s statements against Iran, claiming that Iran has also infiltrated Jordan to support Palestinian operations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Jordanian ambassador to express its protest. The West has been bewildered by the coordination and unity of factions and individuals against U.S. threats, with the statements intended to exacerbate divisions and provoke the Second Khordad Front and its opponents, but they have had the opposite effect.

In Japan, the stock market crash has become unprecedented, with declines not seen in 18 years, largely attributed to the recession in the U.S. economy, as Japan’s economy heavily relies on U.S. investments and markets; the war policy and military budget of the U.S. are worsening the situation.

Israel has exaggerated Iran’s military aid to the Lebanese resistance to provoke the West, including claims of 10,000 missiles with ranges from 20 to 70 kilometers that could hit all northern Tel Aviv, as well as allegations of Iranian Revolutionary Guards' presence in southern Lebanon.

I spent most of my time studying for tomorrow’s sermons. In the evening, Mr. Ali Larijani, [Head of the Broadcasting Organization], came and stated that, given the danger from the U.S., the country needs to be managed with greater control and vigilance, and political maneuvering must be prevented. We should not allow opponents to play with national interests, as such actions encourage the U.S. to threaten us. He mentioned that after Mr. [Mehdi] Karroubi’s remarks in Parliament, the leadership had sent him a message of reproach and threat, which left him passive.

Mr. [Seyed Ali Akbar] Mohtashami’s positions against the judiciary stem from a longstanding grudge he holds against Mr. [Seyed Mahmoud Hashemi] Shahroudi; however, the leadership told me that Mr. Karroubi sought to be political but made a mistake.

I suggested that the issue be reviewed in the Supreme National Security Council and proposals be made to the leadership. He mentioned that in the previous meeting, Dr. [Hassan] Rouhani, [Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council], had proposed suggestions; President Khatami obstructed voting and later told Mr. Rouhani that extremism should be avoided and it would be better to act towards resolving issues with the U.S. Mr. Larijani did not rule out the possibility of pretense regarding Mr. Khatami’s illness.

The British Parliament and media have put pressure on [Jack Straw], their Foreign Secretary, for opposing Bush’s remarks.