188. Letter From H. Ross Perot to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski)1
Current negotiation efforts to free the hostages are directly dependent on Khomeini’s health.
I have talked with heart specialists about Khomeini’s condition. They believe death is probable and could occur within six weeks.
In this environment, the outlook for negotiations is bleak.
After Khomeini’s death, the hostages will be in extreme jeopardy. Bani Sadr cannot control the students. Direct military intervention by Iranian armed forces against the students holding the hostages carries a greater risk than U.S. intervention by a trained rescue team.
Having a rescue team is of little value unless at least part of the team is in Tehran, and the remainder of the team is nearby, ready to react immediately to an opportunity. No one can predict when this opportunity will occur.
The lives of the hostages now depend on the failing heart of one old man. Our government should put the rescue team in position, including an advance unit in Tehran.
Best wishes in all of your efforts.
Sincerely,
- Source: Central Intelligence Agency, Office of the Director of Central Intelligence, Job 95M01183R: Policy Files (1977–1981), Box 1, Folder 3: DCI Turner—Eyes Only Files—Memos and Meetings With Various Officials and Subjects. No classification marking.↩