WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 18:00 GMT July 20, 2017 to 08:00 GMT, July 21, 2017.

US 'seeks to rob region of independence'

The leader of Yemen’s Ansarullah Movement says the United States is seeking to rob regional nations of their independence and expand its hegemony. Addressing the Yemeni nation, Abdul-Malik Badreddin al-Houthi slammed what he called Washington’s interference in the internal affairs of independent nations. Houthi lashed out at the US over its role in the Saudi war on Yemen. He implicated Israel in the crimes committed against his fellow countrymen and women. Elsewhere in his speech, Houthi spoke out against some regional Arab states, saying they’ve turned into Washington’s puppets.

Hamas warns Israel

The leader of resistance movement, Hamas, has warned that Israel’s policy of collective punishment against Palestinians will not be tolerated. Ismail Haniyeh also called on Palestinians to take to the streets on Friday in protest against Israel’s decision to keep in place the newly-implemented restrictions outside the al-Aqsa Mosque. The Israeli prime minister earlier said the metal detectors will remain in place. This, after three Palestinians and two Israeli policemen were killed in a shootout inside the al-Aqsa Mosque compound. The measure, along with a two-day closure of the holy site, sparked widespread protests in East Jerusalem al-Quds, with Palestinians refusing to enter the al-Aqsa mosque and conducting group prayers outside instead.

Assad meets Iranian deputy FM

The Syrian president has described Iran’s support as a key factor in helping the Arab nation press ahead with its anti-terror campaign. Bashar al-Assad was speaking in a meeting with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Jaberi Ansari in Damascus. The Syrian leader said certain nations have resorted to terrorism to achieve their goals, adding that such a policy has undermined regional stability. Jaberi Ansari stressed that Iran will spare no efforts to back the Syrian government in its fight against terror. The Iranian diplomat also reiterated the Islamic Republic’s resolve in helping restore peace and stability to Syria.

EU-British differences persist

The European Union’s chief negotiator has called on the British government to clarify its position on citizens’ rights, as negotiations for Brexit heats up. Michel Barnier stressed that such clarifications are indispensable, saying they enable the EU to make sufficient progress on the financial dossier. The remarks were made during a fresh round of Brexit talks between Britain and the European Union in Brussels. Last month, both sides agreed on a potential timetable for negotiations toward a future trade relationship, which Britain would like to start as soon as possible.

Iran says ready for any scenario regarding N-deal

Iran says it is prepared both from a technical and a political point of view for any scenario as the US reviews its policy on the Iran nuclear deal. Iran’s deputy foreign minister says he will raise Tehran’s concerns about the US with the other signatories of the accord during a scheduled meeting on Friday. From Vienna, Press TV’s Homa Lezgee reports.

New Lebanese-Syrian op targets terrorists

The Lebanese resistance movement, Hezbollah, says it has launched an operation to fully dislodge terrorists along the border with Syria. In a statement, Hezbollah said the offensive is aimed at targeting foreign-backed militants in the region of Arsal. Reports suggest that Hezbollah forces, backed by the Syrian army’s airstrikes, pounded several positions of the militants in border areas. Arsal has been a major hub for the terrorists crossing across the Lebanon-Syria border since 2011. The region fell to al-Qaeda-linked terrorists in 2014, but the army later managed to recapture it.

Clashes continue in Venezuela

Deadly clashes have erupted between Venezuelan demonstrators and riot police in the capital Caracas. The anti-government protesters were trying to capture the headquarters of a public television network. The angry protesters set several security installations on fire, while police tried to push them back with tear gas and rubber bullets. The clashes in a number of cities have reportedly left two protesters dead and several others injured. The new bout of violence comes amid a nationwide strike across the South American country. Meanwhile, a senior diplomat representing Venezuela at the United Nations has resigned over what he calls the government’s violent repression of the demonstrations.

IMF approves new bailout for Greece

The International Monetary Fund has approved a new one-point-eight billion dollar loan program for Greece. However, in a highly unusual compromise step, the IMF will not release any funds immediately. The approval came just in time for Athens to avert a default on a seven-billion euro debt payment. The IMF has insisted that Greece's debt load is unsustainable and will require significant debt relief from the eurozone. But, Germany has refused to consider more debt relief unless the IMF participated in a loan program. The Greek economy nearly collapsed in 2010 under a mountain of debt. Eurozone partners, however, bailed out Athens to prevent it from bringing down the single currency bloc.

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