WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 09:00 GMT to 17:00 GMT, October 25, 2017.

Iran defense non-negotiable

The Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution says the country’s defense capability is not negotiable. Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei made the comment at a commencement ceremony for the cadets of the army’s military academies. He said Iran will not negotiate with the enemy on whatever instruments which secure the country’s national might. Ayatollah Khamenei added that Iran’s enemies see the elements of the Islamic republic’s national might as a hurdle, and, hence, try to counter them. The Leader noted that the adversaries are opposed to Iran’s growing power in the region. He, however, stressed that Tehran must insist on its constituents of power despite this enmity.

US spying bill

A US senate panel has given the green light to renew a piece of legislation that authorizes snooping on both Americans and foreigners. The expiring law which was passed by the Senate Intelligence Committee permits spy agencies to collect the private communications of US citizens at home and foreigners overseas. The administration of US President Donald Trump as well as Republican and Democratic leaders believe that the law is crucial to counter national and cyber security threats. The spy bill will be extended for another eight years after approval by Congress. Rights groups have blasted the motion a breach of privacy, saying it does not contain enough safeguards.

Catalonia standoff

Spain’s premier says his first priority is restoring normality and legality in the Catalonia region ahead of Friday’s planned cancelation of the region’s autonomy.

Aid for Puerto Rico

A convoy of humanitarian aid is heading to the hurricane-devastated Caribbean island of Puerto Rico, but it is not from the US government. A group of Muslim American doctors and assistants are delivering the much-needed support to the people of the island. Our correspondent Marcelo Sanchez has followed the story, and sent this report from Miami.

Iraq defending PMU

Iraqi Prime Minister has defended the role of the country’s Popular Mobilization units in the fight against Daesh. Haider Al-Abadi says the PMU forces are composed of Iraqi fighters who are approved by the country’s parliament. The Iraqi Premier made the remarks in a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. Abadi rejected the presence of any foreign armed forces in Iraq beyond the country’s laws. Washington had earlier called on The Popular Mobilization Units to leave Iraq. During the meeting between the top Iraqi and Turkish leaders, Erdogan offered full support to Iraq to repair the damage after defeating Daesh terrorists.

Israeli settlements

Israel has approved a plan to further expand its settlement units in the occupied Jerusalem al-Quds. Under the plan, Tel Aviv will add over 170 units to Nof Zion, making it the largest Israeli settlement inside a Palestinian neighborhood in al-Quds. Most settlements, particularly in the occupied West Bank, are located outside Palestinian residential areas. A senior official from the Palestine Liberation Organization has condemned the expansion plan as a breach of international law.

Taliban deadly attacks

Taliban attacks on two Afghan military posts have left over a dozen soldiers dead. In Farah province, militants stormed a security post, killing nine troops and wounding several others. A gun battle ensued and Afghan forces managed to push back Taliban forces, killing 17 of them in the process. The second incident took place in neighboring Herat province. Militants targeted an army post in Kushki Kuhna district, killing several soldiers. The fighting lasted several hours with Taliban suffering heavy casualties. Recently, there has been an increase in militant attacks. Last week, a raid on a military compound in Kandahar took the lives of 43 soldiers.

US Yemen strikes

A US drone strike on central Yemen has killed at least 13 people, making it the second deadly attack in a week. Security sources say suspected ISIL terrorists were killed when the drone attacked Bayda province. This is the second attack in a week after an unmanned aerial vehicle targeted the same province, killing dozens. The US has stepped up its drone attacks in Yemen since the new president took office early this year. Washington claims its drones target militants, but locals in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen and Somalia say most of the victims are civilians.

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