Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – March 7, 1984

I called the front. They said that the severe torture of Iraq has continued today. The Najaf base was a little worried. Iraq has equipped everything to take back [Majnoun] Island, and we also have the problem of preparing the island. The progress of the bridge work has slowed down. They have invented a bridge to cross the Hor River, which is thirteen kilometers long and stays on the water without a foundation and can withstand five tons of weight. It was built and transported to the site within two months, but its installation has been slow and problematic.

I managed the public meeting until ten o'clock and then went to the President's office to participate in the Supreme Defense Council. In the council, the problems of the army due to the reduction of the proposed budget were raised. We considered temporary solutions. They gave a report on the joint camp - which was formed in Bandar Abbas to deal with the threat of the enemy invading the Strait of Hormuz from three forces [of the army] and the IRGC. The plan was presented, but in terms of practice, they are behind. The problem of the difference between the army and the IRGC and the army's insistence on obtaining the command of the operation was discussed separately with the president. We thought to bring Mr. Zahirenjad [Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff] closer to the war.

In the evening, the board of the parliament had a meeting. Then I had an interview on TV about the war. In the evening, Mr. Dari [Najafabadi] and Nadi came and talked about the elections in Isfahan and the company of Mr. Fazel [Harandi] and Mr. Dari from there. It was decided that I should warn the party [Islamic Republic] and Mr. Taheri [Imam Juma of Isfahan]. I spoke with Mr. Khoiniha and Mr. Hadi - who said they do not want to be candidates - and encouraged them to participate in the elections. They did not promise, but they agreed to answer later.

At night, we were guests of Ahmad Agha with the leaders of the forces. Imam also participated in the meeting. Most of the talks were about the war, and Imam complained about Mr. Montazeri's letter, which had badly depicted the war situation. I was supposed to warn them.