Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi - April 4, 2000 Discussions with Hassan Rouhani about the future of the revolution

Discussions with Hassan Rouhani about the future of the revolution and the report of the arrest of one of Seyyed Mohammad Khatami's guards, who was allegedly planning to assassinate the reformist president based on a religious inquiry from one of the clerics.

The names of those accused in the assassination attempt on Saeed Hajarian were announced, and since they were personnel of the IRGC, the IRGC's intelligence service did not share this information with the Ministry of Intelligence.

There are restrictions on Sheikh Mohammad Mohammadi Reyshahri in Medina, along with discussions involving the then Iranian ambassador regarding this matter.

I spent all my time at the headquarters. As usual, I walked along the beach after morning prayers; in the eastern area of the pier where large stones are used to absorb wave impacts, a region where crabs gather and has remained unchanged for years. I do not know why crabs are exclusively found there. A cat also lurks among the crevices of the stones to catch them. With the sun shining, the activity of the crabs increases.

Before noon, Dr. Hassan Rouhani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, came. We discussed important national and revolutionary issues for about two hours. We both agree that if things continue as they are, the revolution will eventually give way to a secular government. If there is increased repression, democratic governance may be harmed. Maintaining moderation and granting concessions by the leadership while controlling non-religious movements could stabilize the situation.

He mentioned that according to Mr. Ebad Ali Rabiei, one of President Seyyed Mohammad Khatami's guards had attempted to assassinate him and was arrested. It is said that he had this idea due to observing non-Islamic movements and his inability to analyze the situation; he even consulted one of the clerics, who advised him to dismiss such thoughts, but he did not understand this prohibition.

We also discussed strategies to prevent extremism and reached a consensus. We exchanged views on recounting ballots in Tehran and the sixth parliamentary elections. The morale of the army and IRGC and opinions from Mr. Ali Shamkhani, Minister of Defense, were also discussed.

Today, the names of six individuals accused in the assassination attempt on Saeed Hajarian were announced. The leftists are protesting their non-transfer from the IRGC to the Ministry of Intelligence and are ignoring warnings from the leadership. Reports indicated that Saudi Arabia has barred Mr. Mohammad Mohammadi Reyshahri, representative of the leadership and head of Iranian pilgrims, from returning to Medina, and efforts by Mr. Mohammad Reza Noori Shahroudi, Iran's ambassador in Riyadh, have yet to yield results. I do not know why; perhaps due to holding ceremonies for disavowing polytheists and commemorating Iran's martyrs in Mecca and demonstrations at the House of God.

President Bill Clinton has begun a tour to India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Oman, and Switzerland; both to exert pressure for increased OPEC production and for other issues. Mr. Parsaee from Kish Development Organization came by and provided explanations regarding development plans for Kish and his work history. At noon, some relatives were our guests.