WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 09:00 GMT to 17:00 GMT, May 16, 2018.

Call for pressuring US

Iran’s president says the US must be put under pressure as a violator of international commitments and regulations. Hassan Rouhani recalled Washington’s unilateral pullout from the Iran nuclear deal, describing the move as a breach of commitments. He reiterated that Iran has remained committed to its obligations under the agreement. Rouhani underlined that the US has always been hostile to the Iranian nation. He said some believe they can force Iran into submission through pressure, sanctions, threats or even showing signs of war. However, Rouhani said no one can bring the Iranian nation to its knees. The Iranian president made the remarks during a meeting of Cabinet ministers.

Anti-Israel outrage

People across the world have staged rallies to voice support for Palestinians and slam Israel’s atrocities in the besieged Gaza Strip. In the US city of San Francisco, protesters gathered outside the Israeli Consulate General, slamming Israel’s killings in Gaza as genocide. Demonstrator in Argentina and Brazil chanted slogans in support of Palestinians. The Chamber of Commerce building in the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo was lit up with Palestinian flag colors in a show of solidarity. Protesters in other countries took to the streets to express anger at the relocation of the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem al-Quds and Israeli violence against Palestinians.

Catalonia independent

Catalonia’s new president, a day after his election, has called for an end to the Spanish government’s direct rule on the region. Quim Torra made the remarks at a joint press conference with the region’s former president in Germany. Torra demanded Madrid respect the outcome of the December 21 election. He said his first aim is to offer dialog to the Spanish government. Puigdemont, for his part, expressed confidence in Torra’s ability to lead Catalonia. The self-exiled politician added that the only possibility to find a solution over the dispute with Madrid is to accept and recognize the other and to start political talks. Meanwhile, the Spanish prime minister insisted there is no independence for Catalonia.

Protesting US’s embassy move

The Palestinian government has recalled four more ambassadors - this time from Europe over the countries’ attendance in the opening ceremony of the U-S Israel embassy in Jerusalem al-Quds. The Palestinian Authority asked its envoys to Austria, the Czech Republic, Romania and Hungary to return to the occupied West Bank. According to the Palestinian foreign Ministry, the European countries’ participation in the US embassy opening was a grave breach of International law considering the fact that Jerusalem al-Quds is a city under occupation. The Palestinians also recalled their ambassador from the United States. Husam Zulmat, who is also the Chief Representative of the Palestine Liberation Organization, has already returned to Ramallah.

Syria evacuation deal

Syrian government forces have retaken full control of central parts of the country following the evacuation of terrorists and their families under a deal with Damascus. A UK-based monitoring group says a total of thirty four thousand and five hundred terrorists and their relatives were evacuated from some areas in Homs and Hama provinces. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the evacuees were transferred to Idlib province. The town of Rastan in Homs as well as nearby townships and villages are among the evacuated areas. The Homs governor has confirmed that the province is now free from gunmen and weapons they used. He also pledged to reopen the Damascus-Hama highway in the coming days.

US-North Korea summit

US President Donald Trump says it is not clear if his planned summit with North Korean leader, Kim Jong-Un would go forward. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that he would insist on denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula if the summit is held. Earlier, the White House said Washington was hopeful the summit between Trump and Kim would go as planned. It also warned that Washington would continue the maximum pressure campaign if the meeting is canceled. Pyongyang has threatened it may pull out if the US insists it gives up nuclear weapons. North Korea says it’s committed to denuclearization but accuses Washington of harboring sinister ambitions.

Tusk slams Trump

The European Council President has slammed the US president for abandoning the Iran nuclear agreement. Donald Tusk called on EU member states to form a united front and once again confirm their commitment under the deal. Tusk stressed that the 2015 agreement is good for the European and global security. He noted that the bloc will look for options to protect European companies from negative consequences of the US decision. Meanwhile, the German chancellor has also reiterated Berlin’s support for the nuclear deal agreement.

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

www.presstv.co.uk