WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 0900 GMT to 1700 GMT, February 11, 2019.

Islamic Revolution anniversary

Iranians hold nationwide rallies marking the 40th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution. Millions of people from different walks of life took part in the rallies. The protesters pledged allegiance to the aspirations of the Islamic establishment. They also condemned the US and Israel for plotting against the country. The demonstrators said the Iranian nation will not bow to the pressure of US sanctions. Each year, Iranians hit the streets to commemorate the 1979 Islamic Revolution that put an end to the monarchical rule of the US-backed Pahlavi regime. The revolution was led by the late founder of the Islamic Republic Imam Khomeini, who established a new political system based on Islamic values and democracy.

Dismissing US pressures

Iran’s president has hailed the mass participation of people in the rallies marking the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. Hassan Rouhani says the turnout shows that the enemies have failed in their plots against the Iranian nation. Hassan Rouhani was addressing demonstrators in the iconic Azadi Square in Tehran. He added that the Islamic Republic will overcome US sanctions. The Iranian president noted that Iran will boost its military power and missile program despite mounting pressures from hostile countries. Rouhani said Iran has never sought permission from anyone to develop different types of missiles and will never do so.

Brexit row

British Prime Minister Theresa May has rejected the opposition Labour Party’s ideas for a compromise Brexit plan. In a letter, May responded to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s proposal, raising her objection to keeping the UK in some form of customs union. The British premier said what Corbyn’s party suggests would prevent the UK from making its own trade deals. The response comes after Corbyn set out the conditions under which his party would support an exit deal in parliament. Britain is due to leave the European Union at the end of March, but with less than 50 days to go, it still struggles to find a deal which is acceptable to both Brussels and lawmakers at home.

South China Sea tensions

China strongly objects to the US after two American warships sail near disputed South China Sea islands. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswomen said the US warships entered the waters without Beijing's permission. Hua Chunying added, the move is aimed at stirring up trouble and creating tension in the region. The US destroyers sailed near the Spratly Islands claimed by China as part of what Washington calls freedom of navigation operations. Beijing says nearly all of the South China Sea is its territory, while Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam also claim it partly.