Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – December 9, 1986

Early in the morning, Dr. Hadi and [Abdullah] Nouri came and explained more about Mr. Montazeri's statements yesterday. I got Persian radio from America and England. As the White House scandal came to light in the US Congress, the issue escalated and [George] Shultz [US Secretary of State] and McFarlane were questioned.

I stayed in the public meeting until nine o'clock in the morning. I came to the office to prepare for my trip. A pilgrim and a migrant came. The plan to attend Bandar Abbas was discussed. In the afternoon, the delegation of the Soviet Union, chaired by Mr. [Konstantin] Katashov, the head of the State Committee on Economic [Foreign] Relations of the Soviet Union, met. He brought the message of Soviet leaders based on the desire to develop relations. I criticized the behavior of the Russians in their relations with us, giving weapons to Iraq, military presence in Afghanistan, and misinterpretations in our recent issues with America; He had fallen into a passive position.

At 4:30 I left for Qom to go to Khuzestan by train after meeting with Mr. Montazeri. At night, I arrived in Qom, the home of Ayatollah Montazeri. He and Asid Hadi [Hashmi] were happy and gave a good welcome. I gave explanations about the issues related to Seyyed Mahdi to clear his suspicions and said Mr. Montazeri's mistakes will make things worse. It is not a correct idea that they can dissuade the Imam with the policy of violence and criticism. I said that if there is any hope for the results of the work, it is only by confirming the Imam's position and agreeing to it.

They were worried about the possibility of their interview being broadcast, and by the way, I was there when the TV announced that Seyed Mehdi's interview would be broadcast. They were upset. All in all, it was a good meeting and understanding was reached and it was decided to normalize their situation.

I boarded the train at Qom station at 8:30 PM. Dr. Rouhani and Colonel Torabi and Sanjaghi were also there. We had dinner and I fell asleep at half past one.