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 24, 2018.

Iran warns US

Iran’s president has warned the US of severe consequences if Washington walks out of the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and the P5+1 group of countries. Hassan Rouhani said if the White House does not live up to its commitments regarding the deal, the Iranian government will react firmly. President Rouhani made the remarks during a visit to the northwestern city of Tabriz. Rouhani said the Iranian nation will stand powerful and firm in face of any conspiracy. He said whoever plots against Iran, will face its consequences.

‘No US Syria pullout’

Russia says the US has no intention to withdraw from Syria, despite saying it has such plans. That was stated by Russian foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov. He said the US had pledged that its only aim was to drive out terrorists from Syria. But Lavrov said despite these claims, the US is actually positioning itself on the eastern bank of the Euphrates. Senior American officials have spoken of plans by President Donald Trump to withdraw US troops from Syria. According to the officials, Trump wants to replace the US military contingent with an Arab force in northeastern Syria. His administration has asked Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to send troops and contribute to required funding.

UK racial profiling

Black people in Britain are 21 times more likely to have their university applications investigated than their white counterparts. That according to figures released by the UK-based Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The institution says it is extremely concerned by the data released under freedom of information rules, and has launched an investigation. The figures have also prompted accusations from Labour, of institutional racism in the higher education system and demands for urgent action to stamp out racial profiling. This comes as figures also show that Britain’s immigration policy since the 1960s has aimed to reduce the number of black immigrants.

Syria terror attack

At least five civilians have been killed as mortars and shells rain down on the Syrian capital Damascus. Over a dozen people were also injured when mortars targeted a local market in the Nahr Eysha district. The terrorists stationed in the south of the capital have been held responsible for the attack. Damascus came under constant attacks by terrorists who were holed up in Eastern Ghouta for months. But the Syrian army operation finally put an end to those attacks. Government troops are now conducting more operations in other surrounding areas to totally purge the terrorists of Damascus.

China navy drill

China has conducted a live combat drill in the East China Sea amid tensions over sovereignty in the regional waters. China’s sole aircraft carrier and a flotilla of accompanying destroyers took part in the exercises. The drills featured multiple take-offs of J-15 fighter jets from the aircraft carrier’s deck as well as missile launches from destroyers. This comes after last week’s live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait. Chinese state media said the exercises were a direct response to provocations by the Chinese Taipei. China is also locked in a dispute with East China Sea littoral states over Beijing’s claim of sovereignty over the entire body of water.

UN urged to back Iran deal

Russia has called on the United Nations to put its full backing behind the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and the five plus one. The head of the arms control unit at Russia's foreign ministry urged members of the world body not to keep silent in the face of threats to sabotage the accord. Addressing a preliminary review meeting of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Vladimir Yermakov said any attempt to make changes in the agreement would affect the global non-proliferation regime. The senior diplomat urged the forum to take serious steps to preserve the landmark accord. The Chinese-Russian draft text asks states to confirm their unwavering support for the comprehensive and effective implementation of the Iran nuclear deal and recognize its significant contribution to international security.

Pakistan blasts

Multiple explosions have rocked the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta, killing at least six police officials. Authorities say fifteen people were also wounded in the three blasts which targeted Pakistani police and paramilitary soldiers. One bomber detonated his explosives near a police truck while two other attackers tried to hit a paramilitary checkpoint on the city's outskirts. Eight soldiers were injured as Pakistani troops engaged in a shootout with the attackers. There is no immediate claim of responsibility.

Israeli demolitions

Israeli forces have demolished a house belonging to a Palestinian man over his alleged role in the killing of an Israeli settler months ago. Ahmed Gunba’s home in the West Bank city of Jenin was destroyed in a controlled explosion. Clashes occurred between Israeli soldiers and demonstrators at the scene. The Israeli police claim one of their officers has been shot in the leg. The Israeli army had accused Gunba of involvement in the fatal shooting of Rabbi Sariel Shevah back in January. The Israeli army also killed three other suspects at the scene of the incident. Qunba escaped but was arrested shortly afterward. Israel periodically demolishes the houses of Palestinians over alleged attacks, saying such a policy acts as a deterrent. Rights activists slam the action as a form of collective punishment and an attempt to uproot the Palestinians.

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