WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 09:00 GMT to 17:00 GMT, July 29, 2017.

Reaction to US sanctions

The Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee has drafted a bill to counter hostile US measures in the Middle East region. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister says the bill is a direct response to Washington's malicious actions against Iran. Abbas Araqchi noted that the bill also includes measures in support of the country’s armed forces as well as Iranian people who have been harmed by the recent US actions. He said Washington had violated several clauses of the nuclear deal signed in 2015. The Iranian diplomat once again stressed that Iran has always complied with the terms of the deal which was signed with the P5+1 group of countries.

EU-Poland row

The European Commission has launched legal action against the Polish government over the country’s judiciary reforms. The EU’s executive body denounced the reforms as an increasing threat to both Poland’s democracy and that of the whole 28-nation bloc. The commission expressed concern over the independence of Polish courts and also over the gender-based discrimination in the new judiciary system. The EU measure against Poland can take the country to the European Court of Justice. The body could fine Warsaw over the reforms. Poland has one month to respond to the bloc’s concerns.

Iran missile policy

Iran says it will continue to pursue its missile program with a vengeance, saying its missiles are defensive in nature. The Foreign Ministry Spokesman said no one has the right to meddle in Tehran’s military and missile policies. He said Iran would regard any comments or moves in that respect as interference to its internal affairs. Qassemi also slammed Washington’s new sanctions on Iran as hostile, reprehensible and unacceptable. He said the Islamic Republic will respond accordingly to the US allegations, stressing that Iran reserves the right to reciprocate Washington’s move. His comments came after the US imposed new sanctions on Tehran following its successful launch of a satellite-carrying rocket into space. In a separate move, the US Congress has voted on new sanctions on Russia, Iran and North Korea.

Israel Ramallah raid

Israeli forces have raided the headquarters of a Palestinian media production company in the city of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. According to Palestinian media, the forces confiscated equipment and documents belonging to Palmedia, and damaged the company’s property. The forces reportedly smashed the doors of the offices, searching for video material and papers. The Palestinian Ministry of Information has condemned the move, saying it targeted Palestinians’ freedom. Palmedia provides live broadcast and production services to international TV channels, including al-Mayadeen, France 24 and RT. The Palestinian media company was previously raided in 2014 by Israeli forces. They shut down a live on-air program and caused material damage to the company back then.

Australia arrests

Australian security forces have detained four terror suspects in a series of raids across several Sydney suburbs. Officials said the operation was aimed at disrupting plans for terrorist attacks adding that it was related to an ongoing investigation. No further information was provided at this stage. In a statement, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull assured the Australian people that the intelligence agencies of the country were working diligently to maintain security. Australia has been on heightened alert after attacks by home-grown militants struck the country in 2014.

Pakistan politics

The brother of toppled Pakistani leader Nawaz Sharif has been lined up to take over as the new prime minister. Pakistan’s ruling party has appointed Shehbaz Sharif but he’ll have to be elected to the parliament first. Sharif’s win, however, seems to be a foregone conclusion given his widespread influence among lawmakers. To be chosen, the former premier’s younger brother has to resign as Punjab province governor before the by-election expected within 45 days. In the meantime former petroleum minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will serve as interim premier. On Friday, Sharif resigned after Pakistan’s Supreme Court disqualified him over corruption charges surrounding him and his family. Sharif supporters staged rallies on Saturday in Islamabad and other Pakistani cities against the court ruling.

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