Akbar Hashemi's Memoirs - March 15, 2000 - Inauguration of Two International TV Networks (Jame Jam 1 and 2)

The issues raised by Ali Shamkhani, then Minister of Defense, regarding the management of the country, especially in military and security sectors, are highly significant.

Ali Larijani’s continued discussions, particularly about the tape threatening Saeed Hajjarian (later revealed in Akbar Hashemi’s 2000 memoirs that the perpetrators were members of the IRGC Intelligence Protection Unit).

We went to the IRIB headquarters for the inauguration of the second Jame Jam network, established for the American and Canadian regions. Dr. [Ali] Larijani, [Head of IRIB], provided explanations. Then, I gave an interview where I answered questions regarding Jame Jam, the Parliament, and the assassination attempt on Mr. [Saeed] Hajjarian.

In the International Conference Hall of IRIB, I attended a gathering of managers, listened to reports by Mr. [Mohammad Bani] Khosrow, [Director of Jame Jam Network], and a welcoming speech by Mr. Larijani. There was a performance of diverse music from different parts of Iran, followed by my speech about the importance of connecting with Iranians abroad and clearing the effects of the enemy’s propaganda against the revolution. I also visited the newly constructed suspended hall adjacent to the corridor.

Back at my office, Mr. [Ali] Shamkhani, [Minister of Defense], came. He criticized the country’s management and emphasized the need to establish a center to support national management policies, which is currently lacking. He said that no one is focused on addressing the country’s real problems. He criticized some military commanders and expressed concern that they are gradually distancing themselves from the revolutionary forces, believing that the IRGC is no longer popular among the people. As a result, they support the merging of the military and the IRGC, thinking they can manage the IRGC due to its perceived weakened position.

He cited examples of statements made by [Ali] Shahbazi, [Habib] Baghai, and the weakness of [Seyyed Hassan] Firouzabadi, [Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces]. He proposed shrinking the government and suggested that the military and security forces should be under the direct command of the president, provided that he distances himself from the unfit individuals surrounding him, and without interference from people like [Heydar] Lotfian, [Commander of the Law Enforcement Force], and [Mohammad Reza] Naqdi, [Head of the NAJA Protection Information Unit].

My brother Mohammad, [Deputy Executive Officer to the President], came and reported on President [Seyyed Mohammad Khatami]’s trip to Yazd and his own visit to Nouq. At noon, I had a working lunch with Mohsen, discussing the aftermath of Mr. [Saeed] Hajjarian’s assassination, the Belgian court case, the metro, the family’s Nowruz travel plans, and current national issues.

In the afternoon, several commanders from the IRGC and senior members of the right-wing factions came, expressing concerns about the current situation and the problems caused by the misconduct of the leftists and liberals. They sought guidance on how to resolve the issues. I suggested solutions for strengthening the unity of the country and addressing the people’s challenges.

Mr. [Masoud Rougani] Zanjani, former head of the Plan and Budget Organization, came and shared examples of the revolution’s problems, including the clergy’s weaknesses and their disregard for realities, as well as the baseless criticism of the reconstruction programs by opponents. He mentioned the response he had given to [Ezzatollah] Sahabi, [a nationalist-religious activist], and offered suggestions for my future political strategy.

Dr. [Ali] Larijani, [Head of IRIB], also came and informed me about recent gatherings of Tahkim Vahdat members in Shiraz and Mashhad, as well as a group of young people in eastern Tehran during the Chaharshanbe Suri celebrations, where slogans were chanted against the Supreme Leader. He mentioned that the Tehran City Council supposedly has a tape of Mr. [Saeed] Hajjarian’s phone conversations, which was given to the Supreme National Security Council, and there are threats of exposing it. The speaker, under the name Lovers of Velayat, has threatened him with assassination. Based on this connection, they aim to blame the IRGC and the leadership. He stressed the need for swift and decisive action to prevent a crisis.

Today, the Leader’s message to the Hajj pilgrims, as well as his statement on the assassination attempt on Mr. Hajjarian, was published. There is concern that this action may be perceived as reactive, especially after the slogans from the Tahkim Vahdat members. Although in his message, the Leader criticized those accusing the opposing faction of being anti-reform, which also involves Mr. Khatami.