WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 0900 GMT to 1700 GMT, May 22, 2019.

Supporting nuclear deal

Russia, Germany and France have reaffirmed their commitments under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, in the wake of the US withdrawal from the accord. In a phone call, Russian President Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron stressed the importance of preserving the nuclear agreement. They stressed that the accord is vital for maintaining international stability and security. The Russian, German and French leaders also reaffirmed their support for economic cooperation with Iran. The US withdrew from the nuclear deal last year and reinstated sanctions against Iran. In response, Iran suspended some of its commitments earlier this month. Tehran says it will take further measures if the remaining signatories fail to mitigate the impact of the US sanctions.

S-400 purchase row

Turkey says talks are improving with the US over the purchase of American F-35 fighter jets and Russian S-400 defense systems. Defense Minister Hulusi Akar says Turkey expects a project to build F-35 fighter jets to continue as planned, because it’s doing its part in the program. He says Turkey is also evaluating a US offer to buy Patriot missile systems instead of Russian S-400s. Akar says Turkey and the US are working on the price, technology transfer, and joint production issues. The two NATO members are at odds over Ankara’s decision to buy the Russian air-defense batteries. The US says the move could endanger Turkey’s role in building F-35 warplanes, and has threatened its ally with sanctions. The Turkish defense minister says Ankara is preparing for the sanctions.

Indonesia clashes

Indonesian police and protesters have clashed during a rally against Joko Wido-do’s re-election as the country’s president. Police fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators who had gathered in the capital Jakarta. Officials have beefed up security as people are expected to take to the streets again. Some people have closed their shops over fears that the demonstrations may spiral out of control and turn ugly.

Detaining Iranian scientists

Iran’s minister of science, research and technology says the US has set traps for Iranian scientists. Mansour Gholami said Washington has identified the Iranian experts who conduct research in certain fields, publish articles or order and purchase lab equipment. He said the US has managed to get their names, one way or another. Gholami’s remarks come as Iranian stem cell scientist Mas’oud Soleimani remains in US custody. The internationally-renowned hematologist was arrested on a flight to the United States eight months ago. He was visiting the US on a research visa after getting an invitation from a research center in Minnesota. Reports say US authorities have accused the scientist of violating trade sanctions against Iran in 2016, when such restrictions were non-existent.

Syria repels terror attacks

Syrian government forces have repelled three big attacks by Nusra Front militants in Idlib province’s de-escalation zone. The Russian Defense Ministry says 500 militants along with tanks and pickup-mounted machine guns had taken part in the attacks. The ministry said the Syrian army killed 150 militants and destroyed dozens of their tanks and pickups. It also said the militants also launched missile attacks on a Russian air base in the province which were either shot down or did not reach their target. Last September, Russia and Turkey agreed to turn Idlib into a de-escalation zone. However, Damascus and the militants have since accused each other of launching attacks inside the zone.

UK PM ouster calls

British Prime Minister, Theresa May, has once again defended her divorce deal with the European Union. May made the comments as she presented her new 10-point Brexit plan to parliament. She warned that rejecting her deal will cause more divisions. May also said there’s still a risk of no-deal exit. The prime minister stressed that she is against holding a second referendum on Brexit. Meanwhile, the leader of opposition Labour Party has criticized as weak the government’s approach to resolve the Brexit issue.

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