Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – December 10, 1984

Early in the morning on the radio, I heard the news of the end of the flow of the hijacked plane in Kuwait - which I was expecting. Our special forces, in a lightning operation, disarmed them and freed the hostages. I am better than yesterday, but I have a fever and no appetite. I was supposed to go to the parliament, but I didn't go. I also canceled the appointment of a lecture at Imam Sadiq (AS) University.

Mr. Mahdavi Keni [President of Imam Sadiq University (AS)] complained on the phone; I agreed to participate briefly so that there is no damage caused by the cancellation of the lecture. My bodyguards were against [participating in the lecture]. I convinced them. Although they were separated, they gathered and we participated [in the lecture] near the evening. Mr. [Mohammad Taqi] Falsafi spoke for me. I gave the awards to the outstanding students and spoke a few words and came home.

They brought the reports, I read them. The world observers were surprised by the rare success of the Iranian special forces in disarming the hijackers, and the enemies were envious and saddened, and more strange for them, the action of the Islamic Republic to save the American and Kuwaiti elements, both of which, to some extent, participate with Iraq in the war against Iran. The official authorities of Kuwait and America have thanked us, although their press is mischievous. Finally, two American [passengers] were killed and two or three others were slightly injured.

After meeting with the Imam, Ayatollah Montazeri came to our house and we discussed the affairs of the country and the war for two hours. As usual, he talked about deficiencies and inadequacies. I complained to him for criticizing the government and emptying the hearts of the people, and regarding the war, I emphasized to him the good progress of the affairs.