Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – May 3, 1995

The hot topic of the media in Iran and the world is the issue of America's intention to sanction Iran, and it is strange that most of the important countries and allies of America have announced that they will not cooperate with America.

With modesty, we went to the Jihad Ophthalmology Clinic, which brought advanced eye examination tools. We were examined with several devices. All in all, Chastity Eye is better than me. I have hereditary cataracts.

Mr. [Kamal] Kharazi, [Permanent Representative of Iran at the UN headquarters] came. He reported his justification actions in America and asked for funds for more extensive propaganda work. It was supposed to somehow make the Americans understand through reliable intermediaries what they did wrong if they cut off the narrow water of economic, scientific and technical communication.

Mr. [Mustafa] Mirslim came for the order of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution and then Mr. [Aliakbar] Ash'ari, [Deputy Minister of Culture of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance] was also added, to explain the cultural festival and we went together to the lords of the press. Mr. Ash'ari reported and I had a speech criticizing the superficiality and sloganeering of the press, and while accepting their services and positive points, I recommended rationalism.

[Mr. Su Mitro], the new Indonesian ambassador, came to present the letter. The negotiations were ceremonial. The general is retired. In the evening, in the meeting of the government board, there was a discussion about raising the level of salary exemption from taxes, as well as about the recent actions of America and the possible consequences and countermeasures. I talked and greeted Ayatollah Khamenei on the phone.