WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 18:00 GMT, August 18, 2017 to 08:00 GMT, August 19, 2017.

Yemen humanitarian crisis

The UN humanitarian chief has denounced the Saudi war on Yemen, raising the alarm about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the impoverished Arab nation. Stephen O'Brien says millions of Yemenis suffer from famine, noting that they are facing the world’s largest-ever, single-year cholera outbreak. He has also slammed Saudi Arabia’s aerial and naval blockade on Yemen and called for an immediate lifting of restrictions to allow humanitarian assistance to the country. The UN official urges the international community to join hands and ratchet up support for the Yemeni people. The world body has on several occasions warned about the growing cholera epidemic and a looming famine in Yemen.

US investigation into China trade ties

The United States has formally launched a probe into China’s alleged theft of intellectual property, despite Beijing’s warning that the move could impair trade ties between the two nations. In a statement, US trade representative, Robert Lighthizer, stressed that the decision was made after consolidation with stakeholders and government agencies. This, after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order last week to investigate whether China’s actions were harming the intellectual property of American companies. Beijing, however, issued a stern warning against Washington, saying that any US trade protectionism would harm bilateral trade relations. China also stressed that it would take necessary measures to vigorously defend the lawful rights and interests of the country.

Iran nuclear deal

Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations says the anti-Iran statement by the United States’ envoy on August 15 was devoid of any shred of truth. Gholam-Ali Khoshroo said Nikki Haley, in her statement, distorted the Iranian president’s remarks to demonize the country and undermine the nuclear deal with the P-five-plus-one countries. Khoshroo rejected Haley’s comments as baseless accusations. He said this is the latest example of provocative words, outright threats and irresponsible actions by senior US officials. On Tuesday, Haley misquoted President Hassan Rouhani as threatening to break commitments under the nuclear deal. She said Iran is taking the world hostage by the agreement. This is while Rouhani had said that Iran is capable of snapping back to pre-nuclear deal status if Washington sticks to its policy of sanctions and threats.

Racism in US

US mayors have launched a new anti-racism initiative in response to white supremacist bigotry following Charlottesville violence. The US Conference of Mayors and the anti-defamation league civil rights group signed on to a pact designed to combat hate, extremism and bigotry. The joint plan of action aims to deal with white nationalist groups and ensuring public safety while protecting free speech. US mayors said the compact was needed because President Donald Trump’s lack of moral clarity has intensified hatred and intolerance in a time of crisis. Trump has come under fire from politicians and activists alike for his much-criticized response to last week’s deadly clashes in Charlottesville. American civil rights activist, Jesse Jackson, slammed the US president for insisting anti-racism protesters were equally to blame for the violence, calling his remarks a humiliating insult.

Arms for Terrorists

A Lebanese security source says the army has discovered US-made weapons in an arms cache seized from Nusra Front terrorists. The weapons cache reportedly included TOW anti-tank missiles made by the US as well as surface-to-air missiles. The weapons were recovered during an operation in northern Lebanon, where the army is pushing back terrorists along the Syrian border. It comes after Syria accused the US and the UK of supplying chemical weapons to terrorists in the country. Syria’s Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad said the toxic agents found in the cities of Aleppo and Damascus were produced by British and American companies.

Fight against Daesh

The Lebanese army has announced the start of a major operation against Daesh terrorists in the eastern part of the country, along the Syrian border. The army began the operation by targeting the terrorists’ positions in Jaroud, Raas Ba’albak and al-Qaa’ with rockets and heavy artillery fire. The army says the operation was launched in honor of the country’s kidnapped military men and martyrs. Meanwhile, the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has also declared a joint anti-Daesh offensive with the Syrian army along the border. Lebanese forces have been targeting Daesh hideouts along the Syrian border over the past few days.

Iran 1953 coup anniv.

Iran marks the anniversary of the 1953 coup against the government of then democratically-elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddeq. The putsch was orchestrated jointly by the United Kingdom and the United States. Saman Kojouri has more in this report.

US officers killed

Six American police officers have been shot in the span of just less than two hours in three separate incidents. The first and worst attack came in the city of Kissimmee, Florida leaving one officer dead and another in grave condition. One person involved in the shooting has been detained. Another shooting came in Jacksonville in the same state. Two officers were shot and their conditions are unknown. Another two police officers were shot in Fairchance, Pennsylvania. Both are in stable condition while the attacker has been killed. Police-involved shootings are common occurrences in the US but the officers rarely become victims. The latest statistics show that nearly 500 people have been shot dead by US police in the first six months of 2017.

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