WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 1800 GMT, March 20, 2019 to 0800 GMT, March 21, 2019.

Persian New Year

In his annual message on the occasion of Nowruz, the Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution names the Persian New Year as the year of “pick-up in production”. Ayatollah Khamenei congratulated Iranian people and wished them prosperity, physical health and ever-increasing achievements in the new year. Iran’s Leader described the last Persian year as an eventful period where the Iranian nation was able to show off its power in the face of the enemy’s schemes. Ayatollah Khamenei also referred to Iranian people’s strong response to the allegedly unprecedented sanctions imposed by the US and Europe both in the political and economic domains. The leader said that part of the country’s economic woes was to be blamed on inefficient management, which needed to be redressed.

Slamming US sanctions

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani has blamed the country’s economic problems on sanctions imposed by the United States. Rouhani made the remarks in a televised address on the occasion of the Persian New Year. He referred to a number of achievements made by Iran in the previous year. Rouhani said the Iranian nation emerged victorious on the international scene in the past year. He stressed that the previous year saw the defeat of Iran’s enemies. Rouhani noted that the Islamic Republic’s ill-wishers seek to sow discord and division among the Iranian nation. He, however, expressed confidence that the Iranian people can resolve the country's problems through unity. Rouhani stressed that unity was key to disappoint Iran’s enemies.

Yemeni children's plight  

The UN human rights chief says children in Yemen continue to be killed or maimed at an alarming rate. Michelle Bachelet said an estimated eight children have been killed or hurt every day since Yemen’s warring sides reached a truce in the strategic port city of Hudaydah in December. She said children are witnessing heavy, war-related violence in the provinces of Ta’izz, Hajjah and Sa’ada. The UN rights chief also voiced concern at the recent escalation in the province of Hajjah where Saudi airstrikes killed dozens of civilians, including women and children. Yemen’s Ansarallah movement has repeatedly accused Riyadh of violating the UN-backed Stockholm agreement. Saudi Arabia and its allies launched a war on the impoverished nation back in 2015. Over 15,000 Yemenis, mostly civilians have been killed since then.

US sanctions on Venezuela

The UN human rights chief has criticized the US for imposing sanction on the Venezuelan government. Michelle Bachelet was addressing the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Her criticism comes as US President Donald Trump warned Tuesday that his administration could take the toughest measures aimed at cutting off revenues of President Nicolas Maduro’s government. In January, Trump slapped sanctions on Venezuela’s state-owned oil company PDVSA. The US has increased its sanctions regime against Caracas in recent months in a bid to squeeze Maduro’s government out of power. Washington is calling for regime change in favor of right-wing opposition leader Juan Guaido. Trump threw his support behind Guaido in January, declaring him the legitimate president of the Latin American country.

Nigeria rally

Dozens of Nigerians have held a rally in the capital Abuja to express support for prominent Muslim cleric Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky. The slogan-chanting protesters called on authorities to immediately release Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife. The leader of Islamic Movement in Nigeria has been in jail since 2015 when the army unleashed a violent attack on his residence in the city of Zaria. The cleric was severely injured in the attack while his two sons and a number of his followers were killed. Multiple charges have been leveled against Sheikh Zakzaky, including disruption of public peace. But the cleric has pleaded NOT guilty to the charges, which his supporters say to be politically motivated.

US-China trade dispute

US President Donald Trump says Washington is considering keeping its tariffs on Chinese products in place for a substantial period of time. Trump said China has had free reign over the United States, taking out 5 hundred billion dollars a year for many years. He warned that the US would never catch up if a “great trade deal” with Beijing is not reached. The world's two biggest economies have been locked in a trade war with tit-for-tat tariff measures. Top-level negotiators are trying to hammer out an agreement before a truce, agreed in December, expires.

Kabul explosions

Multiple explosions have rocked the Afghan capital, killing at least six people and injuring nearly two dozen others. According to the Interior Ministry, the explosions were caused by two mortar shells fired at western Kabul. However, the Defense Ministry said three rockets were fired at civilian homes and gatherings marking the Persian New Year, adding the attacker was arrested. No person or group has claimed responsibility yet.

Israel West Bank killing

Israeli soldiers have attacked a civilian vehicle near the West Bank city of Bethlehem, killing a Palestinian man. Palestinian health officials have identified the slain man as 26-year-old Jamal Monasreh. According to witnesses, three other people who were in the vehicle were also injured in the attack. The Israeli army says the incident took place after rocks were thrown at Israeli military vehicles. But Palestinian media say the victims were inside their vehicle when they came under attack. Israeli forces frequently open fire on Palestinians, accusing them of attacking the army personnel.

New Zealand terror attacks  

New Zealand announces new gun laws, a week after a terror attack in the southern city of Christchurch. Ardern said, the ban requires legislation that has been drafted and will be introduced next month. The announcement comes after authorities said, the attacker had legally purchased the weapons he used in the carnage. Brenton Tarrant, a white supremacist, opened fire on Muslim worshippers at two mosques last Friday. Fifty people were killed and dozens more injured in the attacks. Meanwhile, relatives and friends have begun the burials of their loved ones. More victims were laid to rest on Thursday, including a teenager.

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

www.presstv.ir