Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – February 16, 1986

I went to the parliament early today. I got the front report. We have started an attack in the south of the salt factory since last night. In the public meeting before the order, I spoke about the war. I handed over the meeting to Mr. [Mohammed] Yazdi and came to my office to discuss war matters. The war continues fiercely. It is superior to us. Iraq spreads false news to compensate for its own defeat and morale weakness.

There are many enemy air attacks. The second spore was operated today. I told Dr. [Hasan] Rohani, he went and personally inspected the condition of the intended bomb device. The promises they made were wrong. They will fill it by hand starting tonight. Maybe they don't. The military industry of the army also made something, but it is not of good quality.

The prime minister came. Arvand brought a plan to build an underwater tunnel for the front, we decided to follow. Mr. [Mohsen] Kangarlu came and informed that America is willing to give Tav missiles instead of the unacceptable Hag missiles of the past. It will arrive tomorrow. The Prime Minister also said that the Russians have agreed to take surface-to-surface missiles from North Korea. Korea also said to give us a loan so that we can build for you, and we said to give from yourselves, take the money.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also warned Kuwait about the use of Iraqi planes from Kuwait's airspace. I worked in my office till night. Last week's reports have been stored. Today, we have shot down seven Iraqi planes, and probably for the first time, we shot down a MiG-25 with Ababil's innovative plan. In general, Iraq has been defeated by its current tactics. I came home at night.