WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 09:00 GMT to 17:00 GMT, September 3, 2017.

North Korea nuclear test

North Korea has conducted a hydrogen bomb test in defiance of the UN sanctions and amid escalating tensions in the region. According to the state television, the hydrogen bomb test was ordered by leader Kim Jong-un. Images released before the test showed Kim personally inspecting the weapon. This is North Korea’s sixth nuclear test. Earlier, South Korea, Japan and China said they had detected two consecutive earthquakes measuring 6.3 and 4.6 at North Korea’s nuclear site in Kilju County. Japan confirmed that the tremor was caused by a nuclear test. Meanwhile, Seoul has convened a National Security Council meeting to discuss the issue. The US and its allies have repeatedly called on North Korea to give up its nuclear and missile programs. Pyongyang, however, says they are essential to counter US threats and aggressions.

Somalia attack

Fierce fighting has erupted in southern Somalia after al-Shabab Takfiri terrorists launched an attack on a military base near the port city of Kismayo. Military sources said a blast also occurred at the site. They did not give further details about the attack or the number of casualties. Al-Shabab Takfiris claimed responsibility for the assault, saying 26 Somali soldiers were killed in the fighting. The terrorists said they left the base after taking weapons and several vehicles. The al-Qaeda linked group frequently launches terrorist attacks on army positions in Somalia.

UK NHS crisis

British hospital chiefs warn that the National Health Service is heading for its worst winter in England’s recent history unless an emergency funding is provided by the government. According to NHS Providers, emergency wait times remain “stubbornly bad”, with many patients waiting over four hours with a life-threatening condition. The NHS group, which represents hospital chief executives, says extra staff and beds are required to tackle the situation. The group has also warned about major hospital bed shortages, calling for between 200 and 350 million pounds in urgent funding. This, as the government says it has allocated more money to the services than ever before.

Germany-Turkey tensions

Germany has warned of economic pressure over the arrest of two more of its citizens in Turkey. Gabriel’s comments are the latest in a series of angry reactions to the arrest of German nationals, who are of Turkish origin. Angela Merkel has also warned that Berlin could re-examine its policies on Ankara. The recent arrests bring to 12 the number of Germans in Turkish custody. They are suspected to have links with last year’s failed coup in Turkey. Among them are two journalists and a human rights activist. Germany has already vowed a full overhaul of troubled ties with Turkey.

Iran Leader calls for ‘use of capable workforce’  

The Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution has called for benefitting from the nation’s highly capable workforce to overcome shortages and satisfy needs. Addressing military commanders, Ayatollah Khamenei said educated, courageous and laborious workforce is the key to overcoming hurdles. Ayatollah Khamenei also described serving at the frontline of fighting anti-Iran threats as a great opportunity. He hailed the latest scientific and technological achievements by Iranian armed forces, and stressed this shows that Iran’s young workforce is highly motivated.

Iran-Saudi ties

A Saudi diplomatic delegation is expected to travel to Iran more than a year after Riyadh severed ties with Tehran. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman says the country has issued visas for the Saudi delegation and that the diplomats are likely to fly to Tehran after the Islamic Hajj pilgrimage. According to Bahram Qassemi, the Saudis will visit their diplomatic missions in the Iranian capital and the northeastern city of Mashhad. He says the trip is part of an agreement under which an Iranian team will also visit Saudi Arabia for the same reason. In January 2016, the Arab kingdom cut diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic after a group of Iranian protesters stormed its embassy and consulate. The protest was in reaction to the execution of a Saudi Shia cleric by the kingdom.

Kenya opposition gathering

Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga says his coalition will not share power amid political deadlock in the East African country. Odinga’s defiant remarks come two days after the country’s Supreme Court voided last month’s presidential election and ordered a new poll within 60 days. Odinga has reaffirmed that the opposition will not participate in the re-run of the election without changes to the electoral commission. Meanwhile, opposition supporters have staged a mass rally in support of Odinga. Last week, he asked the commission to resign and face criminal prosecution. Kenya's election commission had declared incumbent president Uhuru Kenyatta the winner of last month’s election but the result was immediately challenged in court. The political upheaval has raised fears of violence in the East African commercial hub of over 48 million people.

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