The death toll rose to 43 after the explosion that occurred at the Saratoga Hotel in Havana, the capital of Cuba, on Friday. Saratoga Hotel Spokesperson Roberto Enriquez stated that 80 percent of the hotel building was damaged. Three missing hotel employees are thought to be trapped under the rubble, Enriquez added. One of the buildings damaged by the explosion will be demolished, authorities said.
Cuban Presidency stated that the cause of the explosion may have caused by gas leak.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi issued a stern warning to the UK, Germany, and France, accusing them of making a “new strategic mistake” regarding Tehran’s nuclear program. In a social media post, Arakchi said, “Iran will give a tough and determined response to the violation of its rights,” criticizing the European trio for backing a resolution against Iran at the IAEA Board of Governors.
Arakchi condemned the move as baseless, recalling past disputes in 2005 which led to the expansion of Iran’s uranium enrichment. “Have these three really not learned any lessons in the last twenty years?” he said.
Meanwhile, the IAEA reported on May 31 that Iran’s 60% enriched uranium stockpile had grown from 274.8 kg in February to 408.6 kg by May 17. In response, the UK, Germany, and France are reportedly preparing to refer Iran’s file to the UN Security Council, which could activate the “snapback” mechanism and reimpose UN sanctions.
TR