Khomeini, In His Deathbed, Pushes for Unity Between Rafsanjani and Khamenei

Rafsanjani Tells the Story in His Memoire

Baztab Emrooz, an Iranian news site close to Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani, published parts of Rafsanjani’s memoire covering the last two days of the leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

“Don’t let intriguers create conflicts between you and Khamenei,” Khomeini, lying in his deathbed, communicates to Rafsanjani.

Rafsanjani tells the story of his last encounter with Khomeini:

“I went to Imam’s Beit (the leader’s official residence). The doctors and people around him were satisfied (with Khomeini’s recovery). Ahmad Agha (Khomeini’s son) was worried. He wanted the work on amending the constitution be finished as soon as possible.

“I stood next to Imam’s (Khomeini’s) bed and put my hand over his. He pressed my thumb and said in halting voice: ‘Amending the constitution should be hurried.’ He then opened his eyes and said, this time in a weak but measured voice, that ‘if united, the revolution will move forward.’ He then stopped for a second then continued: ‘especially between you and Mr. Khamenei. Don’t let the intriguers create conflicts between you and Khamenei.’” (Baztab Emrooz, 25 January)

To read Baztab’s article (in Farsi), please click here.

File photo: Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani (right) with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Kalameh)