WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 09:00 GMT to 17:00 GMT, January 12, 2017.

Fate of Iran deal

US President Donald Trump is set to announce his decision on the landmark 2015 Iran nuclear deal on Friday, a day after meeting with his national security team. Trump would decide whether to sign waivers on sanctions which were suspended under the agreement, known as the JCPOA. The US Congress requires the president to decide periodically whether to certify Iran's compliance with the deal. Back in October 2017, Trump chose not to certify Tehran's compliance. While Trump is expected to waive the nuclear-related sanctions, US Treasury Secretary says new sanctions are likely to be imposed.

Germany ‘breakthrough’ deal

German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s CDU Party has reportedly reached a preliminary agreement with the Social Democrats on forming a coalition government. Sources at the CDU say the two sides have agreed on a blueprint which paves the way for formal negotiations to begin within weeks. The breakthrough was achieved after some 24 hours of marathon talks. Merkel’s open-door policy regarding the 2015 massive influx of refugees and financial issues were among the main moot points the two sides locked horns on. Angela Merkel’s party lost its majority in last September’s election, forcing it to form a coalition government.

Trump’s remarks ‘racist’

The United Nations has strongly condemned language used by the President of the United States against countries from which some people migrate to the US. Colville also says Trump’s policies targeting entire groups on grounds of nationality or religion as well as his reluctance to condemn white supremacists go against universal values. The UN official added that Trump’s comments encourage racism. A growing number of African countries have come out to condemn trump’s remark. The African Union has slammed the President's slur, saying it hurts diversity and human rights values. Trump’s comment was reportedly directed at people from Haiti, El Salvador and Africa during a meeting. In a tweet Trump has denied using the language being reported. However, a democratic senator present at the meeting insists the US president repeated the profane comment.

Pakistan feels ‘betrayed’ by US  

Pakistan's army chief says his nation felt betrayed after US President Donald Trump criticized Islamabad for not doing enough to fight terrorism. Qamar Javed Bajwa says Trump’s criticism comes as Pakistan has cooperated with the US for decades. But he says US Central Command chief General Joseph Votel has assured him that Washington is not contemplating any unilateral action against Pakistan. Tensions between Washington and Islamabad escalated earlier this month after Trump threatened to cut off US aid to Pakistan. In a tweet, the US president said his country has only received lies and deceit from Pakistan in exchange for billions of dollars in aid. The row has ignited speculation that the US may resume its military operations along Pakistan's border with Afghanistan.

Palestinian funerals

Funerals for two Palestinian teenagers killed by Israeli soldiers on Thursday have been held in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Mourners at Gaza's al-Maghazi refugee camp gathered to bury 16-year old Amir Abu Musaid who was shot dead during protests against US President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel's capital. In the West Bank, people laid to rest 16-year old Ali Omar Qino who was killed by Israeli soldiers near the city of Nablus. Nineteen Palestinians and an Israeli have been killed since Trump’s decision to recognize al-Quds as the capital of Israel. The decision has prompted widespread protests throughout the Muslim world.

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