WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 1800 GMT, September 24, 2018 to 0800 GMT, September 25, 2018.

Rouhani will not be meeting Trump

In an interview with American media, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the US will not be able to bring Iran’s oil exports down to zero. Rouhani was speaking to NBC News. Elsewhere in his remarks, the Iranian president said he has no plans and intentions to meet with his American counterpart on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. He said a person interested in dialogue would naturally not use the tool of sanctions and threats against another government and nation. Rouhani noted that the necessary willpower is absent in order to resolve outstanding issues. The Iranian president made the comment in reaction to a call by American officials, including Trump himself, for a bilateral meeting.

UNSC condemns Ahvaz attack

The United Nations Security Council has condemned Saturday’s deadly terrorist attack in the southwestern Iranian city of Ahvaz as heinous and cowardly. In a statement, the 15-member council expressed its sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and the Iranian government. It wished full recovery to the wounded. The Council members also highlighted the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice. They urged all countries to cooperate actively with the government of the Islamic Republic and all other relevant authorities in this regard. Over 2 dozen people were killed and scores others injured in Saturday’s attack.

Kavanaugh's defiance

US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh says he won’t step aside after a second woman accused him of sexual misconduct. In a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee, Kavanaugh dismissed the allegations against him as false, uncorroborated and a last-minute attempt at character assassination. He stressed that he won’t be intimidated. Earlier, President Donald Trump threw his full support behind his Supreme Court pick, saying the accusations against Kavanaugh are politically motivated. Also, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell accused Democrats of trying to destroy Kavanaugh's personal and professional life with what he called “unsubstantiated” allegations. Meanwhile, activists have held a rally in Washington DC to protest Kavanaugh’s nomination.

EU to maintain trade with Iran

The European Union’s foreign policy chief has announced a legal entity to maintain business with Iran following a ministerial meeting of the remaining parties to the 2015 nuclear agreement at the UN. Federica Mogherini said the remaining signatories have re-affirmed their commitments under the agreement. Mogherini stressed that issues arising from the US unilateral withdrawal from the deal will be addressed through operational measures. She said the measures are aimed at preserving the nuclear agreement. The US announced its withdrawal from the agreement in May. Tehran has not left the agreement despite the Washington pull-out. Iran has repeatedly stressed that the remaining signatories to the deal have to work to offset the negative impact of the US withdrawal if they want Tehran to remain in it.

Terrorists arrested in Iran

Iran’s Intelligence Ministry says it has identified all terrorists behind Saturday’s deadly attack in the southwestern city of Ahvaz. In a statement, the ministry said it had identified five attackers right after the assault. It said all the assailants belonged to a terror group supported by some Arab countries. The ministry added that their hideout was raided and over 20 others involved in the attack were arrested. Explosives, military equipment and communications devices were also confiscated during the raid.

Proposed US arms sales to Taiwan

The United States has approved a possible sale of hundreds of millions of dollars worth of military equipment to Taiwan. The Pentagon said the State Department approved the sale of spare parts for F16 fighter jets and other military aircraft worth up to 330 million dollars. It said the proposed supply to help the security and defensive capabilities of the recipient will also contribute to the US foreign policy and national security. The move comes amid increasing trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. China regards Taiwan as its own territory and opposes any US interference in internal affairs.

China-US trade war

China has voiced serious doubt about further trade talks with the US amid its escalating tariffs war against Beijing. The Chinese vice commerce minister made the comment after Beijing cancelled upcoming talks with the US. Wang said the resumption of trade discussions would depend on the will of the US. He said previous negotiations have not been useless, but the US is no longer bound by the acquired understanding. On Monday, China issued a statement, saying the US is engaged in trade bullyism. The latest round of US tariffs targeted 200 billion dollars of Chinese products on Monday. China hit back by imposing levies on 60 billion dollars of US products.

Brexit showdown

Britain's main opposition is planning to reject any departure deal Prime Minister Theresa May reaches with the European Union. Shadow Brexit secretary, Keir Starmer, will reportedly announce the decision at the Labour Party’s annual conference in Liverpool. Starmer will say that the Labour will decisively vote against a deal that is likely to fail the party’s tests. According to Starmer, there is no place for a blind Brexit among opposition MPs in the absence of any credible plan. The UK’s conservative government has accused the Labour of playing political games to reject a deal out of hand. May has a fragile parliamentary majority to pass her so-called 'Chequers' proposals which envisage strong post-Brexit relations with the EU.

Argentina strike

In Argentina, people have taken to the streets of the capital Buenos Aires to protest against President Mauricio Marci’s austerity measures. The protesters, who were from various workers’ unions, also expressed anger at the International Monetary Fund, IMF. They say the organization is controlling their country’s economy. The IMF loaned the government of Marci a 50-billion-dollar rescue package. Opponents of the president argue that the financial package will harm ordinary citizens. The package was also not welcome by those who blame the IMF for the financial collapse of the South American country.

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