The supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party “Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf” (PTI) took to the streets in Lahore, Pakistan. The police respond with tear gas and batons against the protesters who wanted to reach the capital city Islamabad with vehicles under the name of “Liberty March”. Former Federal Minister Hammad Azhar led the protesters who took to the streets after a protest call by former Prime Minister Khan. Police officers deployed in Batti Chowk and many areas of Lahore detained dozens of people including local party leader Zubair Niazi during the clashes. “This is a defining moment for Pakistan,” Khan said in his statement about the protest.
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