WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEALDINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 09:00 GMT to 17:00 GMT, January 8, 2017.

‘US reputation ruined’

Iran’s president has condemned Washington for calling an extraordinary UN Security Council meeting on the protests and riots in the country. Hassan Rouhani says the US political credibility was undermined by its abuse of power to raise an internal issue at the UN Security Council level. Addressing a meeting with economy ministers and his deputies, Rouhani emphasized the people’s right to criticize authorities. The Iranian president further denounced the nation’s foes for trying to misuse people's demands to advance their own agenda. He said the enemy, which was driven out of Iran with the 1979 Islamic Revolution, seeks to create chaos and unrest in the country. Rouhani highlighted the government’s efforts in easing economic pressure and unemployment, saying his administration was determined to advance Iran’s prosperity.

Search for missing crew

An Iranian oil tanker which caught fire after it collided with a Chinese freight ship is at risk of exploding and sinking. According to Chinese authorities, a huge fire is still raging around the stricken ship, which was carrying 136,000 tons of light oil. Search and rescue operations are still underway for the crew members, who have gone missing since the incident. The operations, however, are hampered by fierce fires and poisonous gases that have completely consumed the tanker and surrounding waters. Iranian officials say one body has been recovered so far, a few miles away from the vessel, but it has not been identified yet. 30 Iranian sailors and 2 Bangladeshi crew members were onboard the vessel when the incident took place off China's east coast late Saturday.

UK train strike

Commuters in the UK are facing fresh travel chaos as workers at five rail companies have gone on another strike. The three-day industrial action was called by members of Rail, Maritime and Transport union at South Western Railway, Arriva Rail North, Merseyrail and Greater Anglia. That’s after talks over disputes, such as staffing, driver-only operation and guards ended without any breakthrough. The 24-hour walkouts on Monday, Wednesday and Friday would cause unexpected disruption and delay in services. The RMT union has written to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling to hold a summit on the issue. The union says the meeting could consider how the agreements reached in Scotland and Wales can be applied to the current disputes.

Iran rallies

People in Iran have poured onto the streets for the sixth consecutive day to condemn the recent violent protests and riots in the country and to reaffirm their support for the Islamic establishment. Demonstrators held rallies in several cities, while chanting slogans in support of the Islamic Republic and denouncing acts of sedition and violence. The massive protests come in response to the recent unrest in several cities following protests over economic conditions. Officials say some 20 people were killed in the violence. They say some of the fatalities occurred during shootouts and attacks on police stations and other military bases.

Battle for Ghouta

The Syrian army and allied forces are pressing ahead with an offensive to dislodge foreign-backed militants from an area near the capital Damascus. Fierce clashes are underway between the army and al-Nusra Front terrorists in Eastern Ghouta. The clashes come after Syrian forces broke the terrorists’ siege of an army base there. Syrian troops have been battling militants around the capital for months. They have managed to liberate many districts and villages.

Britain cabinet reshuffle

British Prime Minister Theresa May says she will announce changes to her ministerial team, in a cabinet reshuffle starting on Monday. Media reports say British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire has stepped down. Patrick McLoughlin has also confirmed his resignation as the Conservative Party’s chairman. Former Immigration Minister, Brandon Lewis has been appointed as the new chairman of the party. Elsewhere, UK Justice Secretary David Lidington has been chosen as to the Cabinet Office. Reports say the British foreign, finance, interior and Brexit secretaries will remain in their posts. The reshuffle will continue into Tuesday when May is expected to appoint a cabinet post called minister for Brexit no deal.

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

www.presstv.ir