WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 09:00 GMT to 17:00 GMT, March 7, 2018.

Iran defense capabilities

Iranian President, Hassan Rouhani, says Israel is in no position to call Iran a threat to the Middle East. Speaking at a cabinet session, Rouhani said Israel has caused chaos and destruction in the region over the past 70 years; therefore it has no right to portray Tehran as a threat. He said Iran has never waged a war against any nation nor has it occupied any country. Rouhani noted that Iran does not boost its military might to invade a country; rather its defense power is merely deterrent. The president stressed that the Islamic Republic is a source of stability and security for the whole region.

‘Blacklist Israel’

A coalition advocating for children caught in conflict is urging the UN to put Israel on a blacklist for killings and other violations of Palestinian children’s rights. Mika Vicha said Israel not having been blacklisted so far should be blamed on certain UN Security Council lobbies. She called on the council members to view the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with impartiality. Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict also asked UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, to add Myanmar and Afghanistan on the list. The coalition also requested that actions of several national, international, and opposition groups from countries like the Central African Republic, Congo, Mali, Somalia and Syria to be scrutinized. The blacklist is part of the secretary-general’s annual report on children in armed conflict.

US anti-Russia sanctions

The US treasury secretary says a series of anti-Russia sanctions ordered by Congress will soon be imposed. Steven Mnuchin made the remarks in a testimony before a House subcommittee. The sanctions package entered into law earlier this year despite opposition from President Donald Trump. Some lawmakers have accused the administration of dragging its feet to enforce the package. But Mnuchin said a classified report given to Congress detailed the efforts to design the package of penalties. The report lists more than 100 Russian officials and business leaders eligible for sanctions. The Trump administration has been wrestling with allegations of ties with Moscow. Several members of Trump's campaign have been charged or admitted lying to the FBI about their contacts with Russian officials.

UK Saudi ties

The UK’s Labor Party Leader, Jeremy Corbyn, says the British government is complicit in the Saudi war on Yemen. Corbyn made the comments during a debate in the British Parliament. He said the humanitarian disaster in Yemen is due to the Saudi-led campaign and its blockade of the impoverished country. The British opposition leader also accused the government of covering up a report which reveals evidence of the Saudi financial support for terrorist groups. The British Prime Minister, for her part, defended the UK’s relationship with Saudi Arabia, adding that London’s arms sales to Riyadh are totally legal. Theresa May, however, noted that she will discuss the concerns about Yemen’s humanitarian situation during her meeting with the Saudi crown prince later on Wednesday.

Syria army offensive

Syrian government forces are pressing ahead with their offensive to recapture the Eastern Ghouta region which is the last stronghold of terrorists near the capital Damascus. In the latest developments, troops have launched an operation to retake the town of Mesraba. The capture of the town would cut the militant-held Eastern Ghouta in two parts. An army colonel has said that people will soon be able to return to Eastern Ghouta. The flashpoint district has seen fierce clashes between Russian-backed government forces and militants for more than two weeks now. Russia set up a safe passage for civilians to leave days ago. It also offered militants to use the same passage to withdraw. Moscow says some militants have accepted the offer. But, main militant groups say they’ve rejected to leave.

EU-US trade dispute

European Council President Donald Tusk has slammed the US President’s trade policy as Donald Trump plans to impose tariffs on metal imports from the EU. Tusk called on politicians on both sides to act responsibly to resolve the issue. He further proposed that EU leaders discuss the issue during their next summit in order to have a clear objective aimed at keeping the world trade alive. His comments come as the 28-member bloc has threatened to retaliate if Trump goes ahead with his plan. According to EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom, the measure will hit the US industrial and agricultural products. Donald Trump on Thursday vowed high duties on steel and aluminum imports. His decision drew strong criticism from world leaders, who all pledged to retaliate in kind.

Iran nuclear deal

Iran’s ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency has criticized the US government’s failure to implement its commitments under the nuclear deal signed between Tehran and the P5+1. Reza Najafi described the US approach as unacceptable and disappointing, saying Washington is pursuing a destructive policy to undermine the landmark deal. Najadi noted that the US failure to fully live up to its commitments has put Washington’s credibility under serious question. He said the nuclear agreement is not a one-sided deal. Najafi stressed that the P5+1 group of countries, with whom Tehran signed the agreement in 2015, must refrain from any action inconsistent with the letter, spirit and intent of the deal.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir