WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 1800 GMT, July 23, 2018 to 0800 GMT, July 24, 2018.

Iran FM cautions Trump

Iran’s foreign minister says Tehran is unimpressed by the recent US threats against the Islamic Republic. In a tweet, Mohammad Javad Zarif said the US issued harsher threats a few months ago. He added that the people of Iran have heard such threats for 40 years. The top Iranian diplomat said Iranians have been around for thousands of years and seen the fall of empires that ruled more than the life of some countries. He warned Washington to be cautious. Zarif’s tweet came in response to a recent threat by US President Donald Trump against his Iranian counterpart. US officials’ anti-Iran rhetoric has intensified since May 2018 when President Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal.

Israel detention system

The UN rights chief has criticized Israel’s so-called administrative detention system under which Tel Aviv is currently holding an estimated 440 Palestinian children. Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein called on Israel to either set a court date for the detainees or release them. The UN rights chief described as a fundamental human rights violation Tel Aviv's administrative detention. He condemned the Israeli regime for its assaults on Palestinians’ rights. He also stressed that the detention without trial must immediately end. The UN rights chief also criticized Israel's arbitrary detention and arrest of rights activists. Israel’s administrative detention law allows it to imprison Palestinians for renewable six-month periods without trial or charge.

Greece wildfires

Over 20 people have died as wildfires continue to rage east of the Greek capital Athens. Authorities say dozens of people have so far been hurt by the flames. The wildfires destroyed many homes, disrupted major transport links, and forced many people to flee their homes. More than 300 firefighters have been mobilized to tackle the blazes. Athens has also asked other EU countries to send reinforcements to help deal with the crisis. Wildfires are not uncommon in Greece, but a relatively dry winter created tinderbox conditions.

Iran envoy slams US

Iran’s envoy to the United Nations has slammed Washington for supporting anti-Iran terror group, Mojahedin Khalq Organization or MKO. In a letter addressed to the UN Security Council, Gholamali Khoshroo said Washington is responsible for the crimes committed by the France-based group. He said the US support for the MKO is in breach of international law and the UN charter. The Iranian diplomat said the group bribed and lobbied its way out of the US list of terror groups in 2012. Khoshroo added that the move by Washington proved its selective approach to fighting terror. He said the MKO has killed over 17,000 Iranians, including civilians and government officials.

North Korea dismantling rocket site

Satellite images purportedly show North Korea has begun dismantling its key nuclear testing facility at Sohae on the country’s northwest coast. The images were released by a US-based website called 38 North. The Sohae station has been the main site for North Korean satellite launches since 2012. The facility is said to have played a major role in the development of ballistic missile engines. The UN Security Council has imposed crippling sanctions on Pyongyang over its nuclear and missile programs, banning imports of crude oil and refined petroleum products. North Korea had already expressed readiness to dismantle its nuclear program. The US, in return, has promised to offer sanctions relief and international investment.

Ortega rejects resignation

Nicaraguan President, Daniel Ortega, rejects the idea of stepping down amid months of anti-government rallies. Ortega told Fox News that holding early elections would create instability and insecurity in the country. He blamed the protests on what he called a campaign of lies that aim to tarnish the image of the Nicaraguan government. Following the interview, opposition supporters again took to the streets of the capital Managua, saying they will continue their protests until their demands are met.

Iran’s response to US sanctions

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman says Tehran will respond with equal counter-measures if the US tries to block its oil exports. Bahram Qassemi noted that it’s a political bluff Washington has resorted to at this time. He said the US couldn’t block Iran’s oil flow in the past, even when it had the support of the United Nations Security Council. Speaking about the US president’s recent tweet against Iran, Qassemi said the US administration feels isolated after its exit from the Iran nuclear deal. He stressed that this is the cause behind Donald Trump’s fury. Qassemi reminded Washington that the Iranian nation won’t be impressed and it needs to address them with respect.

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