Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – November 2, 1988

I worked at home until nine in the morning. I went to the command office to do military work. Mr. Dr. [Hasan] Firouzabadi [Prime Minister's Military Adviser] had many issues for consultation and opinion. It took about two hours. Mr. [Ali] Jannati also raised office issues separately. After noon and evening prayers, Mr. [Mahmoud] Mohammadi Iraqi came and complained to the IRGC for not following the rules. Lunch and rest and then continue work.

Mr. Shams, the commander of the Badr Corps of Iraqis, came. He spoke about the concerns of the Tawabs and gave a comprehensive report of their mental state and desires and discussed whether they should be handed over to the Supreme Council or be under the command of the IRGC as in the current situation; I deferred the answer to consult with the imam and the leaders of the forces and considering the future situation. He asked for houses and loans and issues related to their welfare. They have about 7,000 Iraqi regular forces in the IRGC.

Timsar Shahbazi came. He gave comments about the situation of the army and the general staff. He supports the merger of the army and the IRGC. I came home at night. They brought the work from the parliament, I did it. Mr. [Mohammed Javad] Larijani informed by phone that the Secretary General of the United Nations told Dr. Velayati that Iraq is gathering forces behind the borders and asked that our forces be alert. Mr. Shamkhani also quoted the same topic from Mr. Jean Kelly, who is in charge of mediators in Iran. I ordered the corps and the army to be alert and told them to increase Salman's water. It is also possible that they gave this news to influence our delegation in negotiations.

Mr. Shamkhani informed that a large flock of locusts entered the country tonight from the Abadan border and are moving towards Ahvaz. Since yesterday, locusts have entered Iran from Kuwait and Iraq, but they have not been in large numbers.