Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – March 27, 1989

Near sunrise, we heard a huge explosion. After questioning, it turned out that in the defense industry, in the cartridge filling hall, gunpowder exploded, killing one person and injuring many.

Mr. [Brigadier Mohammad Hossein] Jalali, the Minister of Defense, announced that [by the Prime Minister] they should remove Mr. Montazeri's photo [from the rooms]. Kasab did his homework and said that the issue of the Imam's letter is now discussed in the government committee. I decided to be at home today; I am sad Chastity is also very sad.

Dr. Velayati called and said that the Soviets have suggested that he make a secret trip to this country soon. asked for an opinion; I agreed. He said that Oman has reported that Saud al-Faisal [Saudi Arabia's foreign minister] said that before the decision on Hajj, relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia should be normalized. I commented that if the issue of Hajj is resolved before then, there is no obstacle in announcing the relations beforehand. He informed that the issue of Mr. Montazeri's dismissal was raised by the Imam in the government committee and the Prime Minister issued a directive to remove Mr. Montazeri's photos from the offices.

Saeed, Fati and Sara returned from Rafsanjan. They are fine. In the afternoon, an important news about the future leadership was broadcast on the radio. In the evening, Mr. Javad Larijani [former deputy for Europe and America of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs] came and complained about the actions of Dr. Velayati in the way he was dismissed and consulted to stay in the advisory position.

They asked the IRGC and the army over the phone regarding the collection of Mr. Montazeri's photo that the imam had ordered. The order has been communicated through the office and through the government.