Date: March 10, 2002 - Akbar Hashemi's Narrative on the Formation of a Meeting of Branch Leaders Hosted by Mohammad Khatami and Political Consultations Regarding Possible Accusations Against Ezzatollah Sahabi

During the meeting of the Expediency Council to review general policies regarding security, discussions were held with several members of the Council regarding the possibility of the clergy introducing a candidate if Mohammad Khatami does not run in the upcoming presidential election.

The marriage contract of Mahmoud Vaezi's daughter was conducted.

The meeting of the branch leaders was hosted by Mohammad Khatami, where political consultations were held. Quotes from Ayatollah Khamenei indicated that Ezzatollah Sahabi might face accusations of moharebeh (waging war against God). Additionally, the indifference of Seyyed Mahmoud Shahroudi to the requests from Khatami and Sheikh Mehdi Karroubi concerning the case of Seyyed Mustafa Tajzadeh was noted, along with Shahroudi's claim to Hashemi that Khatami had defended Tajzadeh in a detailed letter. Hashemi's account of this meeting contains interesting and historical insights.

Full Text of the Diary:

The Expediency Council held a meeting. We approved the first clause of the general security policy regarding the enhancement of military strength to achieve superiority over Iran's neighbors for deterrence. During the regular session at noon, we discussed the presidential elections and trials. It was decided that if Seyyed Mohammad Khatami does not run, the clergy faction should have a candidate.

In the afternoon, we attended the marriage ceremony of Mahmoud Vaezi's daughter. Iffat and Sara also participated. In the evening, a meeting of the branch leaders was held at Khatami's office. Discussions included Khatami's trip to Russia, possible political, military, and technical agreements, and the Caspian Sea. Regarding the case of Ezzatollah Sahabi, Khatami mentioned that the accusation of moharebeh might be relevant, as Sahabi had confessed to a certain intent of subversion. Khatami and Mehdi Karroubi, the Speaker of the Parliament, wanted to discuss Seyyed Mustafa Tajzadeh's case with Seyyed Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi, but he was evasive. Khatami did not provide a clear answer regarding the content of his upcoming speech in Parliament or his potential candidacy, expressing uncertainty about the achievements of his trip to Russia. Leftist and foreign media have launched significant campaigns regarding his upcoming statements.

During the meeting of the branch leaders, Khatami expressed his dissatisfaction with the suspension of the magazine "Harim," which was shut down for insulting the President. Shahroudi responded that Mohammad Ali Sadoughi, the legal and parliamentary advisor to the President, and your office were pursuing the matter. Khatami mentioned that he would not seek any requests from the leadership following the Karrubi case. Shahroudi informed me that Khatami had defended Tajzadeh in a detailed letter. Regarding the Caspian Sea and potential agreements with Russia, I provided Khatami with reminders and suggestions. Pressure has increased to prevent the destruction of the Buddha statues by the Taliban.