WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 0900 GMT to 1700 GMT, August 17, 2018.

North Korean leader slams US sanctions

The North Korean leader has attacked what he called hostile forces over sanctions, as the United States seeks to maintain pressure on Pyongyang over its nuclear program. The Korean state media reported that Kim Jung-un rebuked “hostile forces for trying to stifle the Korean people through brigandish sanctions and blockade.” Kim and US President Donald Trump held a summit in Singapore in June. Washington has been pressuring Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons program. North Korea has described US proposals on denuclearization as gangster-like demands. Washington has urged the international community to maintain tough sanctions on Pyongyang. This week, the US Treasury announced measures against Russian and Chinese companies for violating North Korea sanctions.

UK mosque attacks

Two mosques come under attack in the British city of Birmingham. The mosques were hit with large ball bearings fired from a heavy-duty catapult. No one was injured in the incidents. Police opened an investigation into the raids. They said the attacks are being treated as hate crimes. A worshiper explains how the attacks happened.

Israel settlement expansion

Israeli authorities have announced plans to build 20,000 more settlement units throughout Jerusalem al-Quds. The plan is part of a project to construct touristic and commercial centers to boost the Israeli economy. Palestinians say the move is a new crime and a declaration of war against the city and its sanctities.

Pakistan new premier

Pakistan’s lawmakers elect Imran Khan as the country’s new Prime Minister. The former cricket star won the post in a competition with Shehbaz Sharif who’s the leader of the Muslim League-Nawaz party. Khan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf party won most seats in the July 25 elections, but fell short of an absolute majority. This forced him to partner with smaller parties and independents to form a government. Rival parties alleged vote-rigging and accused the Pakistani military of supporting Khan. The army and Khan denied the claims.

US-Turkey pastor row

A Turkish court rejects another appeal to free the American pastor Andrew Brunson. The court ruled that pastor Brunson would remain under house arrest. Brunson’s lawyer said he would appeal again in 15 days. Brunson’s detention has sparked a major crisis in ties between Ankara and Washington. The row has prompted a crash of Turkey's lira currency. Turkey arrested the religious figure for his alleged role in the 2016 failed coup. The US has doubled tariffs on Turkish products and threatened to increase economic pressure on Turkey if it refuses to release the jailed pastor. Turkey says it will respond to US levies with retaliatory measures based on the World Trade Organizations’ rules.

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