WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 09:00 GMT to 17:00 GMT, December 31, 2017.

Reaction to US stance

Iran’s Interior Minister has blasted the US and Israel for their meddlesome reactions to protest rallies in some Iranian cities. Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said enemies of the Islamic Republic are pretending to support the Iranian nation, but they have no real understanding of the people in Iran. Rahmani Fazli also vowed to confront any attempts to undermine the country’s security. US President Donald Trump has taken to twitter twice over the past few days, making remarks about recent protests against economic conditions in Iran. Two Israeli ministers have also used twitter to echo Trump and express support for the protesters. The demonstrators in the capital Tehran and other cities are angry at unemployment and calling for improved economic conditions.

Saudi deadly airstrikes

Saudi Arabia’s incessant airstrikes on Yemen continues to claim civilian lives. In the latest attacks, at least four civilians were killed as Saudi fighter jets targeted a vehicle in Amran province. Earlier, 24 people lost their lives, when Saudi warplanes struck a residential area in the western province of Hudaydah. The raids came shortly after the Saudi air force pounded a farm in the town of Khukha in the same province, killing at least ten women. Saudi Arabia began the war on its southern neighbor in March 2015. Over 13,700 Yemenis, mostly civilians, have been killed since then.

UK strike threat

Britain’s Rail, Maritime and Transport Union has threatened to initiate a 24-hour strike on New Year's Eve. The walkout will likely cause delays and cancellations on some of the UK's main railway lines, including the South Western Railway and CrossCountry networks. According to RMT, its members are striking over concerns about rosters, Sunday working and guards on trains. The union blames the government and train companies for failing to make any attempts to resolve a range of separate disputes over rail safety. Downing Street, on the other hand, accuses the union of causing misery to paying customers trying to get home for the New Year. The RMT union says it is planning more strikes in January.

Afghan bomb blast

At least 15 have been killed in a bomb attack targeting a funeral in Afghanistan’s eastern city of Jalalabad. Officials say 13 others were also wounded after an assailant blew himself up among mourners who had gathered for the funeral of a former district governor. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. The incident comes after a Daesh attack in the capital Kabul left over 40 people dead and scores of others injured on Thursday. The attack took place at a cultural center, where people had assembled to mark the 38th anniversary of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

Nuclear arms race warning

The United Nations Secretary General has raised the alarm about adverse global developments in his New Year address. Antonio Guterres highlighted deepening conflicts, nuclear arms race, climate change, growing inequalities, human rights violations and rising nationalism and xenophobia as major concerns for all nations. Guterres also called on the international community to seek unity as the only path in facing these challenges. The UN chief urged world leaders to narrow the gaps, bridge the divides and rebuild trust by bringing people together around common goals.

Middle East in 2017

The Middle East saw numerous developments in 2017, some of which brought joy, with others making people sad.

Israelis protest against Netanyahu

Thousands of Israelis have marched for the fifth consecutive week in Tel Aviv demanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resign over corruption allegations. The protesters shouted slogans and carried placards denouncing the Tel Aviv regime. Some placards read “Crime Minister” in reference to Netanyahu. Right-wing protesters also took part in a counter-demonstration to support the premier. Anti-Netanyahu protesters said he must be investigated over corruption charges.

Canada’s interference

Iran has slammed Canada’s “interventionist” stance regarding the recent rallies against economic conditions in some Iranian cities. The Iranian foreign ministry spokesman said Canada’s recent stance lacks credibility and is in violation of Ottawa’s legal and international commitments. Bahram Qassemi dismissed a statement by Canada’s foreign ministry in which it has called on Iran to address its people’s “democratic and human rights”. He said the statement contradicts senior Canadian officials’ comments regarding the need for interaction and dialog with Iran. The demonstrators in the capital Tehran and other cities are angry at unemployment. They're calling for improved economic conditions.

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