WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 1800 GMT, October 17, 2018 to 0800 GMT, October 18, 2018.

US sanctions against Iran 

Iran’s foreign minister has reacted to Washington’s latest economic sanctions against Tehran, saying they display a disregard for the human rights of all Iranians. In a tweet, Mohammad Javad Zarif said the sanctions violate two of the International Court of Justice orders. In another tweet, Zarif said US addiction to sanctions has gone out of control. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman also called the sanctions part of Washington’s psychological war against the Iranian nation. On Tuesday, the US Treasury Department announced fresh sanctions on Iran’s banking and industrial sectors, saying they will be imposed on November 4. Washington accused Tehran of human right abuses and meddling in regional affairs. The US started re-imposing anti-Iran sanctions in August after unilaterally withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal.

Slamming Trump’s response to Khashoggi’s case

US senators are intensifying pressure on President Donald Trump for his weak handling of the Saudi journalist’s case. US Republican Senator John Kennedy says all indications suggest that Saudis were behind the disappearance and alleged murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Mark Warner, a US Democratic Senator, has also stressed that individuals close to Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammad Bin Salman, killed Khashoggi. Meanwhile, US House Minority Leader, Nancy Pelosi, has questioned Trump’s leadership abilities and slammed his approach to the Khashoggi case as silly.

Haiti protest

Protests have turned violent in Haiti over allegations about the government’s misuse of funds from an oil assistance program. Clashes between the protesters and police on the streets of the capital Port-au-Prince have left at least one person dead. The man has reportedly been hit in the head by a bullet. The demonstrators armed with rocks and other projectiles set rubbish on fire as police fired tear gas. The protesters have called for President Jovenel Moise to step down. They are angry over the alleged misuse of funds from a Venezuelan oil program known as PetroCaribe.

US presence in Syria

Iran’s deputy ambassador to the United Nations says the United States must immediately withdraw from Syria and stop supporting terrorism. Es’haq Al-e Habib said Washington’s close ally, Saudi Arabia, continues to fund terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq. He accused the kingdom of playing a destructive role in the Middle East. The Iranian diplomat reiterated that Iran’s legitimate presence in Syria is aimed at fighting the US and Saudi-backed terrorists in the country. Al-e Habib also called on the international community to exert all efforts to re-construct the war-battered Syria.

Turkish investigators search Saudi consulate

Turkish crime-scene investigators have once again searched the Saudi consulate in Istanbul as part of a probe into the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The investigating team searched the premises and consular vehicles. They were seen using bright lights to illuminate the consulate's garden, looking for evidence related to the missing journalist. After nine hours of search, they left the complex carrying plastic bags and boxes containing details. This is the second search of the consulate since Monday.

‘March of the migrant’

The Guatemalan president has rejected US threats against his government to stop migrants from heading for the American border or face aid cut. Morales added he was in constant talks with his Honduran counterpart to provide for a viable and humane return of migrants who would choose to do so. US President Donald Trump had threatened to cut off financial aid to Guatemala and Honduras. Trump had asked Guatemala City and Tegucigalpa to bring to a halt the journey of a migrant caravan toward the US. Despite the warnings and restrictions, more than 2,000 migrants resume their course to seek refuge from what they describe as endemic violence and poverty in Central America.

Missing journalist case

France’s finance minister has cancelled his trip to Saudi Arabia over the disappearance of a dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Bruno Le Maire said conditions are not right for his trip. He was scheduled to attend an investment conference in Riyadh next week. He is the latest western official to pull out of the summit. On Wednesday, German Foreign Minister, Heiko Maas postponed his trip to Saudi Arabia. Maas said Khashoggi’s disappearance remains extraordinarily worrying and the accusations are serious. In a similar move, many prominent entrepreneurs and business figures have canceled their plans to attend the investment conference.

US support for terrorism  

Syria’s ambassador to the UN has slammed US-led coalition for perpetrating crimes and supporting terrorism in Syria. Ja’afari called on the Security Council to launch an investigation into the crimes. He described the US-led airstrikes on the country as illegal and a flagrant violation of international laws. The Syrian envoy to UN said in one instance, the US used internationally-banned phosphorous bombs in its raids on Dayr al-Zawr province on 13th and 14th of October, leaving women and children dead. Ja’afari also called for an immediate end of the presence of US forces in Syria. Regarding Idlib, he said any Syrian territory will inevitably return to the control of the government. He stressed that Nusra Front terrorists refuse to comply with agreements on Idlib and want to continue the bloodshed.

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

www.presstv.co.uk