WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 1800 GMT, July 5, 2018 to 0800 GMT, July 6, 2018.

Iran nuclear demands ‘unmet’

The Iranian president has stressed the importance of fulfilling Tehran’s demands for the continuation of the Islamic Republic’s cooperation with the remaining signatories to the 2015 nuclear agreement. Hassan Rouhani, who spoke with his French counterpart on the phone, also said the European Union's proposed package on continuation of cooperation under the nuclear deal does not cover all demands of Iran. Rouhani called for a transparent operational program with a specific timetable to compensate for the United States’ withdrawal from the agreement. Rouhani also talked with the German chancellor in a separate phone call. The Iranian president described as disappointing the bloc’s package of economic measures. He said the package lacks workable solution and is a set of general commitments like the previous EU statements.

Iraq targets Daesh terrorists

Iraqi forces are conducting operations to purge an area of Daesh terrorists in the north of the country. Government troops have been deployed to a triangular area connecting the provinces of Kirkuk, Salahuddin and Diyala. Video released by the Interior Ministry shows armored vehicles and troops combing hills south of Kirkuk. Security has deteriorated in the three provinces as Daesh has been conducting hit-and-run attacks as well as kidnappings. Baghdad says 15 terrorists have been killed and several weapons caches seized.

Deadly day in Mexico

Explosions at fireworks warehouses in Central Mexico have killed at least 19 people. A huge white cloud could be seen in the sky right after the blasts. Hundreds of soldiers, police and firefighters are deployed to the neighborhood on the outskirts of the town of Tultepec. Rescue workers were among those who died in the incident. Some other rescuers were trapped inside the warehouses. The initial blast occurred early in the morning and then spread to other warehouses.

US China tariffs

A war of words escalates between the US and China as the world’s two biggest economies head towards outright trade war. Chinese media accuse the US administration of behaving like a gang of hoodlums. China’s Foreign Ministry said trade protectionism and unilateral actions are short-sighted. It called on European counties to work with Beijing to safeguard a globally free trade system. The United States has begun imposing tariffs on 34-billion dollars of Chinese imports. The White House says it may ultimately target over 500-billion dollars worth of Chinese goods. Beijing has pledged to respond immediately with an equal amount of tariffs of its own against US autos, agricultural and other products.

Europe refugee crisis

Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Salvini says he wants to put an end to all refugee arrivals in the country by boat. Salvini says he does not want any more women or babies to get into rubber dinghies. He says other European Union member states must help Italy handle the refugee arrivals. Since taking office last month, the hardliner has refused to open Italy's ports to refugee rescue ships operating in the Mediterranean. He has promised to speed up deportations of illegal asylum seekers. Since 2014, Europe has been hit by an unprecedented influx of refugees fleeing war in North Africa and the Middle East.

France protests

French protesters have once again taken to the streets of Nantes following the fatal police shooting of a taxi driver in the western city. The protesters chanted anti-police slogans and demanded justice for the slain driver. They also lit candles at the site of the shooting. Aboubakr Fofana was shot on Tuesday during identity checks. Police say the driver hit a policeman as he was trying to escape the checkpoint before being shot, but some witnesses have rejected the police statement. Fofana's death was followed by two nights of violence in Nantes leaving dozens of cars burned and nearly 20 people arrested.

Iran’s rights based on JCPOA

Iran’s foreign minister says any proposal from the remaining signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal must protect economic and other rights of the Iranian nation. Mohammad Javad Zarif made the comments upon arrival in Austria ahead of a meeting with foreign ministers of China, France, Germany, Britain, and Russia. He said Tehran will remain committed to the nuclear deal as long as it protects the rights of the Iranian people. Also in Vienna, the Chinese foreign minister says it’s necessary to maintain the Iran agreement.

Syrians returning home

Syrian government forces tighten the noose on foreign-backed terrorists in Dara’a Province. The Syrian army has taken control of a village, two military bases, and a farm. Syrian media say thousands of displaced people have already returned home in the areas that were liberated by the army. The military has confiscated a huge amount of weapons and ammunition from terrorists in the newly-liberated regions of the southwestern province.

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