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 29, 2018.

Syria army advances

Reports coming out from Syria suggest that deadly clashes are ongoing between government troops and US-backed forces in the east of the country. Syrian media say the army has captured several villages from the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces in the province of Dayr al-Zawr. The SDF is a group of Kurdish and Arab forces supported by the United States. It is in control of much of the territory east of the Euphrates River near the border with Iraq.

Supporting JCPOA

European leaders have agreed on supporting the Iran nuclear deal amid the United States’ stepped up challenges to the landmark accord. British Prime Minister Theresa May’s office announced that consensus has been reached between her, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. In a statement, the office added that the three leaders have agreed the deal may be “broadened” to cover areas such as Iran’s ballistic missiles program and the post-JCPOA era as well as what the statement called Iran’s role in destabilizing the region. Meanwhile, US National Security Advisor John Bolton says President Donald Trump has not yet made up his mind about the deal. Trump had earlier said he may quit the agreement on May 12 unless the EU signatories of the 2015 accord try to “have it fixed”.

Armenia opposition rally

Supporters of Armenian opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan have taken to the streets of Yerevan to throw their support behind him ahead of a parliamentary vote to choose a new premier. Protesters blocked the streets and intersections, chanting slogans in support of the opposition leader. They said they will continue their protests until Pashinyan comes to power. The protesters argued that the ruling Republican Party had to quit politics. Armenia has been in deep political turmoil for the past two weeks. Anti-government protests finally led to the resignation of Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian on Monday. The opposition accuses Sarkisian and his ruling Republican Party of clinging to power. Armenia’s parliament is expected to choose a new prime minister in a vote on May 1.

Anti-Iran rhetoric

The US secretary of state has renewed Washington’s threat of quitting Iran’s nuclear deal if the accord is not fixed. Pompeo made the remarks at a joint press conference with his Saudi counterpart Adel al-Jubeir in Riyadh. He said the 2015 nuclear deal has failed to moderate Iran’s conduct in many other areas. The top US diplomat accused Iran of destabilizing the Middle East through what he called proxies. Jubeir also called for imposing sanctions on Iran over its missile program and accused Tehran of interfering in the affairs of regional countries.

Syria army gains

The Syrian armed forces continue to advance against terrorist positions in the suburbs of Damascus. The Syrian military have taken full control of al-Qadam area using artillery bombardment, aerial strikes, and small arms fire. The army is now in a better strategic position to intensify attacks to liberate Hajar al-Aswad area and Yarmouk refugee camp from the terrorists. Reports on the ground also suggest that the Syrian government has reached an evacuation deal with armed groups in Babbila, Yalda and Beit Sahm. The agreement reportedly stipulates that the militants can either disarm and stay or go to northern parts of Syria. The government is determined to eradicate all terrorists from the suburbs of the Syrian capital.

Nicaragua’s Ortega under pressure

Tens of thousands of Nicaraguans have rallied in the capital Managua following days of deadly violence over social security reforms. The demonstrators gathered in front of Managua’s cathedral, where they issued a deadline for President Daniel Ortega to meet their demands. The protesters called for an independent probe into the bloodshed and justice for the victims. Ortega’s social security overhaul triggered the country's worst unrest in 11 years that left at least 63 people dead and 15 others missing. The president had to back off and agree to hold a national dialogue mediated by the Catholic Church. Despite the concession, many still want Ortega and his wife, vice-president Rosario Murillo, to step down after ruling the poor Latin American country for 22 years.

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