Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – July 22, 1981

I was at work first thing in the morning. Late at night, news came that Biyara had been captured—a small Iraqi town near the border that had been taken by our forces. However, the report had not yet been fully confirmed, and it was unclear whether our forces had gained control of the roads around the town or had actually entered the town itself. In any case, it was a turning point in the war, and the beginning of an advance into Iraqi territory was significant.

News came that terrorists had attacked Mr. Najafi, Deputy Minister of Education, but he was unharmed; his bodyguard, however, was wounded. Terrorist activity has intensified in an effort to disrupt the election.

I was informed that there was a plan to carry out an explosion in Parliament. I ordered strict security measures. Messrs. Modarresi-Zadeh and Zarrini came, and we discussed the loyalty of the Qashqais and the need to treat them properly. I said that it had previously been agreed that their leaders would come to Tehran and remain under supervision. They said this was unnecessary and that they would serve the cause from there.

At 10 a.m., I attended a meeting of the Supreme Security Council in Mr. Rajaei’s office. Reports were given on counterterrorism measures. Many successes had been achieved. A severe blow had been dealt to the Peykar group, and the other groups had also lost their ability to resist. Decisions were made regarding the manner in which the election would be conducted and how the opposition would be dealt with. Representatives of the Supreme Judicial Council, the Revolutionary Guards, the intelligence authorities, the Minister of the Interior, and the Prime Minister were also present. We performed the noon prayer there and then came home to rest.

In the afternoon, I went to see Imam Khomeini and asked him to issue a statement encouraging people to participate in the election. He was not in favor of it. He said he would think about it and make a decision. I obtained his signature authorizing the use of a sum from the Imam’s share that had been allocated to the Islamic Republican Party and for which a check had been made out in Imam’s name. I took Ali, my nephew, who had just returned from the front, along with the guards, to pay his respects to Imam Khomeini.

I spent the evening at home. That night, Fotouhi, our neighbor, came and was frightened because the Mostazafin Foundation had put pressure on him to take possession of the confiscated houses belonging to Shahram Sayyah that were currently under his control. He asked for help. Although he had been affiliated with the National Front, he claimed to be opposed to Bakhtiar. Representatives of the Foundation had also come and wanted me to help have the houses vacated.

Dr. Mansourian also came that night and asked for help in having the confiscation of her husband’s property lifted.