A devastating drone attack targeted a military school graduation ceremony in Homs, Syria, resulting in a death toll exceeding 100 and over 120 individuals injured, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. In response, the Syrian regime declared three days of national mourning but did not release an official casualty count. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and it was noted that Syrian Defense Minister Ali Mahmoud Abbas had left the ceremony shortly before the incident occurred.
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