Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – June 10, 1982

At midnight, the deputy commander of the Ground Forces called to inform me that Iraq has unilaterally declared a ceasefire. Today's news reported that Iraq announced its readiness to withdraw its forces within two weeks and hand the matter over to peace mediators. This is likely a ruse to save Saddam and exploit Israel's aggression against Lebanon, which itself was among the objectives of the United States and Israel.

The President reached out via telephone to raise the issue of the Lebanese crisis. The Jihad [Construction Jihad] informed us that they wish to take responsibility for providing a portion of the humanitarian aid to Lebanon.

In the afternoon, the Supreme Defense Council held a meeting at the Imam's office. Our delegation had returned from Syria and attended the meeting. They reported that Israel has gained control over most areas of southern Lebanon, and Syria is unable to enter the war. They had not met with the Palestinians.

We decided that assistance should be provided to Lebanon. Turkey is unwilling to allow heavy use of its airspace and route, agreeing only to the passage of one aircraft carrying aid per day.

We made decisions regarding war matters. Today, rumors spread from Western sources that Saddam had fallen and been killed, but by late night it became clear that the news was false.

The Imam remains firm regarding the continuation of the war and does not allow any discussion that would cause even the slightest doubt among the public or the armed forces; he states the war's objectives in a manner that prepares everyone for a prolonged effort, though he notably did not agree to entering Iraqi territory.

During the afternoon meeting with the Imam, the military commanders—in our presence—debated the matter with him and proved from a technical standpoint that continuing the war is incompatible with prohibiting entry into Iraqi territory. The enemy remains in many locations on our soil, and if assured that our establishment will not cross into their territory—or will only make minor incursions—they will neither concede any points nor withdraw from sensitive areas, and whenever prepared, they will advance into our territory again. With this reasoning, they convinced the Imam to agree to enter Iraqi territory in areas that are unpopulated or sparsely populated where civilians would not be harmed. Late at night, I conducted a television interview.