WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

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

Iran nuclear capability

Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization is capable of resuming 20-percent uranium enrichment within four days at Fordo facility if it’s instructed by senior officials to do so. That’s according to Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization. Salehi said this capability sends a message to the other parties to the Iran nuclear deal. He also warned the EU against violating the accord. He said it would be a disgrace for the bloc if it followed in the footsteps of the US. Salehi referred to the possible US withdrawal from the JCPOA and said this has proved that Washington is not trustworthy. Salehi noted that Iran has fully abided by the nuclear agreement while the US has reneged on its commitments under the deal.

Israel-Palestine clashes

Israeli forces continue their crackdown against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip wounding more people in the besieged enclave. Palestinian media say at least 4 Palestinians have been wounded in clashes with Israeli troops along the buffer zone in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli forces launched several mortar attacks on an area near the buffer zone. Earlier in the day, Jihr al-Deek village in Gaza was also targeted by Israeli mortars. Tensions have been running high in the Gaza Strip since over two weeks ago when Palestinians launched protests marking Land Day. 31 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds more injured since then.

Syria Ghouta deal

Terrorists in the Damascus suburb of Eastern Ghouta have finally reached a deal with the Syrian government to leave the war-stricken area. The agreement orders the militants to depart to the country’s north within 48 hours starting from Sunday afternoon. This is in return for the release of all prisoners from the area. Earlier on Sunday, the terrorists in Douma asked to negotiate evacuation terms with the government. They had rejected a proposal to leave Douma on Thursday. The Syrian government has retaken most of Eastern Ghouta since an all-out operation to clear the area from militants started in February. With the recent deal reached, the terrorists’ last stronghold in the country will be in the hands of government forces.

US-Taiwan ties

Washington has agreed to allow US defense contractors help Taiwan construct its own submarines. The US State Department has approved granting the license necessary to sell Taiwan the technology needed for its submarine project. Taiwan has described the approval as a “breakthrough”. Washington's move comes after US President Donald Trump signed new rules allowing top-level American officials to travel to Taiwan. China has protested the move, saying the US should stop official exchanges with Taiwan to avoid “damaging Sino-US relations”. China regards Taiwan as part of its territory.

Iraq deadly attack

A terrorist attack has targeted the campaign headquarters of a prominent political party in Iraq causing several fatalities. A military official says two people detonated explosives at the al-Hal party halls in the city of Hit in Anbar province, killing four people. Seven others have been wounded in the blasts. Members of the Iraqi security forces and a candidate for the Iraqi elections are among the wounded. There has been no claim of responsibility. Anbar province was occupied by Daesh terrorists for three years. Despite Baghdad declaring victory over Daesh, experts believe some of its members are still hiding in the deserts near the border with Syria.

Rohingya refugee crisis

The United Nations says Myanmar is not ready for the repatriation of Rohingya Muslims living in refugee camps in neighboring Bangladesh. Mueller said there are no preparations for Rohingya refugees to go to their places of origin in Myanmar. She made the comments after a six-day visit to Myanmar. She was granted rare access to the most affected areas in Rakhine state, where a military crackdown last year forced nearly 700,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh. The senior UN official said she asked the Myanmar government to end the violence against the persecuted community. Myanmar, which is accused by the UN of ethnic cleansing, has agreed to bring back the refugees under a deal with Bangladesh.

Iran’s growing power

The Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution has said despite all conspiracies by enemies, the nation is continuing to grow more powerful. Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei made the comment in a meeting with a group of Iranian armed forces commanders. Ayatollah Khamenei said the adversaries have stepped up their attacks on Iran as they are worried about the country’s growing power. He noted that the Islamic Republic’s clout will increase by the day and that the nation is at the apex of its dignity.

US Syria excuse

US President Donald Trump says the Syrian government will “pay a big price” over reports of an alleged chemical weapons attack in Eastern Ghouta. Trump has not specified what action Washington will take over the alleged attack in Douma city. One of his senior security advisors says America will not rule out attacking Syria. Russia says the reports are bogus and that any military interference in the Arab state will lead to severe consequences. Iran says the accusations signal a new conspiracy by the US and its Western allies against Syria. Tehran also says they are pretexts for military action, at a time when government forces have the upper hand. Syria says the accusations are a “unconvincing broken record”.

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