WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 1800 GMT, August 6, 2018 to 0800 GMT, August 7, 2018.

President Rouhani on talks with US

The Iranian president says the United States’ call for talks while simultaneously re-imposing sanctions does not make any sense. Hassan Rouhani stressed that Washington must prove its trustworthiness after it scuttled the 2015 nuclear agreement. He said the US demand for direct talks is aimed at waging a psychological war and creating skepticism among the Iranian people to be able to use it in the upcoming Congressional elections. He said Washington will regret its decision to re-impose sanctions against Tehran. The Iranian president hailed the remaining parties to the nuclear deal, especially the European Union, for their policies in the face of US sanctions on Iran. Rouhani, however, stressed that the Islamic Republic still expects practical measures from the EU.

Bahrain crackdown

Amnesty International says Bahraini authorities are denying proper medical care to a jailed opposition leader and three other activists. Hassan Mushaima’s son, Ali, also warned about his father’s health condition. Ali Mushaima accused Bahraini authorities of having plans to kill his father slowly. 70-year-old Hassan Mushaima was arrested in a popular uprising in 2011. He and several other opposition figures were sentenced to life. Manama has unleashed a heavy-handed crackdown on dissent since then. The Bahraini regime does not pay heed to international calls for the release of political prisoners.

Venezuela’s pro-government rally

Venezuelans have rallied in Caracas to support President Nicolas Maduro following an alleged assassination attempt on him. Demonstrators called for peace and urged all political parties to resolve their differences at the election box. Ralliers also rejected any foreign intervention and action that would inflict harm on the country. At the same time, Venezuela's attorney general said the full force of the law will be applied to bring the perpetrators of the attempt on Maduro’s life to justice. Tarek Saab added that the attack was not an isolated incident but linked to a years-long chain of violent actions against Venezuela. Meanwhile the Colombian president rejected allegations of involvement in the attack on his Venezuelan counterpart.

US's anti-Iran sanctions

The United States re-imposes the first round of sanctions on Iran which were lifted following the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and the world powers. The embargoes took effect at four-hundred GMT. They come after President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the accord in May. The measures target Iran’s automotive sector as well as its trade in gold and other key metals. Sanctions have also been put in place on the purchase or acquisition of US banknotes by Iran’s government and transactions related to Iran’s national currency, rial. Washington has warned that individuals or entities who breach the embargoes risk severe consequences. Other signatories to the nuclear accord have expressed deep regret at the US move. The second round of sanctions will be imposed in November, which includes Iran’s oil industry and shipping sector.

Colombia rejects Venezuela allegations

The Colombian president rejects allegations of involvement in an alleged assassination attempt on his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro.

Chinese media slam US

China’s state media strongly criticize the US president’s trade policies. The China Daily newspaper says Donald Trump’s belief that a fall in Chinese stocks is a sign of his win in the trade war is just wishful thinking. It says the United States has turned international trade into a zero-sum game. Another Chinese paper, the People’s Daily, also attacked the US president. It says Trump is starring in his own street fighter-style deceitful drama of extortion and intimidation. The papers were reacting to a tweet by the US president that his newly imposed tariffs are working well. Tension is simmering between Washington and Beijing after Trump came up with his controversial tariffs on imports. The world’s two biggest economies have already taken reciprocal measures and threatened to take more actions.

Saudi Arabia's secret deal with al-Qaeda

The Saudi-led coalition has reportedly cut secret deals with the al-Qaeda militant group in Yemen. An investigation by the Associated Press says the coalition has recruited hundreds of al-Qaeda militants to fight against Yemeni armed forces and Ansarullah fighters. The probe says some of the militants were also paid to leave key cities and towns. It comes despite claims the coalition, backed by the United States, is fighting the militant group. AP says their findings are based on interviews with two dozen officials. These include Yemeni security officers, military commanders, tribal mediators, and four members of the al-Qaeda branch.

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