Memories of Akbar Hashemi - September 21, 2001 - Opening of the Sacred Defense Epic Exhibition by Hashemi and listening to the report from Brigadier General Alireza Afshar, along with answering questions about the war.

"The inauguration of the Sacred Defense Epic Exhibition by Hashemi and the report by Brigadier General Alireza Afshar, along with the response to questions regarding the war.

Hashemi's account of Tony Blair's call to Seyyed Mohammad Khatami and Hashemi's analysis that this call and Khatami's statement should be denied, as they are contrary to the measures and reactions of Ayatollah Khamenei.

Complete text of the daily notes:

Early in the morning, I went to the Tehran Mosque for the inauguration of the Sacred Defense Epic Exhibition. Ifat was with me. Brigadier General [Alireza] Afshar, [head of the Foundation for Preservation and Publication of Sacred Defense Works], gave a report, and I delivered a detailed speech about the greatness of the Sacred Defense. I answered four important questions regarding this matter: 1 - Why did the war break out? 2 - Why did it last so long? 3 - How and why did it end? 4 - What were its achievements and impacts? I considered informing about these topics and the numerous questions among the new generation as the most important message of the exhibition.

Then, I visited various sections for two hours; it was quite detailed. All military organizations and institutions set up booths to explain their contributions and displayed wartime equipment. Ministries and non-military institutions also established detailed booths to explain their contributions.

"It was announced that there are 300 thousand square meters under the exhibition. I interviewed in a few booths.

From there, we went to Karaj. In the afternoon, we were the guests of Mr. [Mohammad Reza] Noorishahrudi, [former Iranian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia]. We returned home at night.

The speech by [Bush], the President of the United States, at the congress, has drawn the attention of news outlets around the world; it is passionate, arrogant, threatening, and haughty, and it explicitly states that we will start the war against terrorism from Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and then move on to other terrorist centers or supporters of terrorism. He arrogantly claims that all countries in the world are either with us in this battle or are enemies and partners of terrorists; this statement has been met with protests from many world leaders, including the leaders of Russia and Muslims.

[Tony Blair], the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, stated that in a phone conversation with Mr. [Seyyed Mohammad] Khatami, he inferred that Iran is willing to cooperate with the U.S. in the fight against terrorism, which should logically be denied, as the leadership has explicitly opposed the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan. In southern France, a massive explosion occurred at petrochemical industry centers, resulting in 15 reported deaths and 200 injuries so far."