Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi - January 25, 2001 - Iftar Invitation from Ayatollah Khamenei and Its Implications, Along with the Potential Invitation to Lead the Eid al-Fitr Prayer Due to Illness, Which He Ultimately Led Himself

Consultative Meeting with Mohsen Rezai, Secretary of the Expediency Council, Regarding Two Resolutions from the Sixth Parliament Related to the Press

Following Numerous Consultations with Hashemi to Resolve These Resolutions After the Guardian Council's Objections, Which Were Delayed in the Expediency Council and Its Committees, Moving Away from the Goals of the Sixth Parliament and the Clarification of Rumors Regarding His Potential Candidacy in the Upcoming Presidential Election at the Request of Reformists.

Iftar Invitation from Ayatollah Khamenei and Its Implications, Along with the Potential Invitation to Lead the Eid al-Fitr Prayer Due to Illness, Which He Ultimately Led Himself.

Complete Daily Entry:

In the morning, Mr. Mohsen Rezai, the Secretary of the Expediency Council, came to discuss the arrangement for addressing the resolutions returned by the Guardian Council. He mentioned that he had not yet decided whether to participate in the presidential elections and expressed his concern over rumors suggesting that he intends to run at the request of reformists.

In the evening, I went to the Leader's office and was his guest for iftar. He mentioned that President Khatami had asked him to warn the right-wing extremists in response to the left-wing extremists' attacks at the university, but he had not received a favorable response. Earlier, Mr. Hossein Marashi had said that President Khatami expressed his dissatisfaction with the Leader's response during a meeting with his inner circle of advisors, further increasing his doubts about running for election.

We also discussed the memoirs of Ayatollah Montazeri, the courts, and societal issues. The Leader mentioned feeling back pain and stated that if it worsens, he might not be able to attend the Eid al-Fitr prayer tomorrow. He asked me to be prepared to lead the prayer in case he is unable to attend. He praised my first sermon from last Friday's prayer, stating that it contained important content.

In China, a rare fire incident has resulted in over 300 fatalities, and in Australia, the sinking of two boats has raised concerns about the loss of 150 Iranian migrants. In Turkey, the general amnesty law for prisoners has not been passed, and the prolonged hunger strike of prisoners continues.