WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 18:00 GMT, October 7, 2017 to 08:00 GMT, October 8, 2017.

Iran slams Saudi Arabia for exporting terror

Iran’s foreign minister has slammed Saudi Arabia, saying Riyadh has long pursued policies that undermine regional peace and security.

Mohammad Javad Zarif said Saudi Arabia had spent billions of dollars to support extremist groups in Iraq, Syria and other countries in the region. The top Iranian diplomat noted that Tehran unlike Riyadh had supported the right sides in Iraq and Syria, which brought about greater influence for the Islamic Republic. He said the Saudis cannot use Iran’s nuclear program to divert attention from their own wrong polices in the region and beyond. Zarif stressed, however, that Tehran is ready to resolve its differences with Riyadh through negotiations. 

Madrid warns of constitutional action against Catalonia

The Spanish prime minister has warned that his government can use the constitution to suspend Catalonia's autonomy if it declares independence.

In his first interview since a controversial referendum in Catalonia, Mariano Rajoy played down the importance of any independence declaration by Catalonia saying it will lead to nothing. He said that he would keep extra national police deployed in the area until the situation is normalized. Rajoy also ruled out any mediation to resolve the crisis. Catalonia voted for independence on October the first. Spain has called the referendum illegal and unconstitutional.

US healthcare reform

US President Donald Trump says he would be open to a one- or two-year deal as a way to reform the nation's healthcare system.

Trump told reporters at the White House that such a deal would be a temporary measure to change the healthcare system, something his administration and the Republican Party would like to do. Republicans fell short several times this year in their drive to repeal Obamacare, formally known as the Affordable Care Act. Trump has been frustrated by the failure. He has openly taunted Republicans as total quitters and fools over their inability in the Senate to replace former President Barack Obama's signature legislation.

Fight against Daesh

The Syrian army has further pushed Daesh to the corner in its fight against the terror group in the east of the country.

Military sources say government forces have encircled Daesh terrorists, holed up in the eastern city of Al-Mayadin. The flashpoint city is one of the last strongholds of Daesh in Syria. The Syrian army has entered Al-Mayadin following a major offensive launched to liberate the city. Territories under Daesh control in Syria have been shrinking due to the group’s consecutive defeats against Syrian forces. 

Hamas rules out talks on its armed wing

Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says its armed wing will not be the subject of the upcoming reconciliation talks with the Palestinian Authority. 

A Hamas spokesman has reiterated that the group will not lay down its weapons as they are meant to protect Palestinians against Israel. Hazem Qassem says since the arms are legal, Hamas will not negotiate the issue. The resistance group has handed over the administrative affairs of the besieged Gaza Strip to a unity government run by the PA as part of reconciliation efforts. The PA, however, wants Hamas to go the extra mile and dismantle its armed wing.

UK controversial divisions 

British Prime Minister, Theresa May, suggests that she may demote her foreign secretary amid reports of a possible cabinet reshuffle.

In an interview with Sunday Times, May refused to dismiss reports that British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson will be dismissed. Instead, she said it was not her style to hide away from a challenge. Downing Street has declined to comment on the interview. Despite pledging his allegiance to May, Johnson has repeatedly undermined the Prime Minister by publicly setting out his own vision for Brexit. Earlier this week, May faced an open rebellion within her own party, with some Conservative lawmakers ramping up discussions about forcing her out of office. This comes as British media reports suggest that she is set to make changes to the Cabinet later this month. May's authority over the party has been undermined since they lost parliament majority in a snap election on June 8.

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