WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 0900 GMT to 1700 GMT, July 23, 2018.

Iran dismisses US threat

Iran has lashed out at the US secretary of state for his latest remarks against the Islamic Republic. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, Bahram Qassemi, slammed Mike Pompeo’s remarks as cheap and unfounded. Qassemi said the comments constitute interference in Iran’s internal affairs. He added that Pompeo’s comments were also in line with the US destructive policies in the Middle East. Qassemi stressed that the Iranian nation will remain united and foil the US plots. On Sunday, Mike Pompeo spoke out against Iranian officials. He also pledged maximum pressure against Iran.

US-China trade tensions

The Chinese foreign ministry says threats and intimidation on trade will never work on Beijing. A spokesman for ministry also said China does not need to use competitive devaluation of its currency to aid its exports. The comments were in response to new tariff threats by US President Donald Trump. Trump said he’s ready to impose tariffs on all 500 billion dollars of goods imported from China. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin also said that Washington is monitoring the recent weakness in China’s currency to review whether it was manipulated. Trade tensions have been simmering between the two countries after Washington increased tariffs on Chinese goods. Beijing has responded with tit-for-tat measures.

Erbil attack

Gunmen have stormed the Kurdistan Regional Government building in the Iraqi city of Erbil, taking a number of people hostage. Security forces have surrounded the area and engaged in clashes with the assailants. Two gunmen have been killed and two policemen have been wounded. A local official said two of the gunmen also blew up their explosives inside the building. Security officials say the gunmen are Daesh members. The terror group, which has been largely defeated in Iraq, has carried out deadly bombings in Erbil in the past.

Syria slams Israel

Syria condemns Israel for evacuating hundreds of so-called White Helmet aid workers from the Arab country. The Syrian foreign ministry described Israel’s operation as criminal. It said the evacuation of the White Helmets revealed the true nature of the group. Damascus also said they were a front group for terrorists and the world should be wary of their danger. Germany and Britain welcomed the evacuation of the White Helmets from Syria. UK Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt said the While Helmets saved people’s lives.

Palestinians funeral

Palestinians hold a funeral for a teenage boy killed by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank. Participants in the funeral carried the body of Arkan Mezher in the Dehiesheh refugee camp near the city of Bethlehem. Medical sources say Israeli troops shot the 15-year-old in the chest after storming the camp. During the mid-night raid, Palestinians hurled rocks at the Israeli troops. Israel says none of its soldiers was hurt. The camp is in an area controlled by the Palestinian Authority. The Israeli army regularly carries out raids in such regions.

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