WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 1800 GMT, June 25, 2018 to 0800 GMT, June 26, 2018.

Iran on Mideast conflicts

Iran’s representative to the United Nations says foreign interference is the root cause of instability in the Middle East. Gholamali Khoshroo made the remarks while addressing a general session of the Security Council on Monday. He said the analysis of conflicts and wars indicate that foreign interference and occupation or a combination of both have created instability in the Middle East and North Africa. Khoshroo also highlighted repeated Israeli aerial raids in Syria and Lebanon. He said Tel Aviv which enjoys full support of the United States is the main source of all regional conflicts. The Iranian diplomat added that terrorism and extremism are a serious threat to peace and stability of the Middle East and Africa.

Israel's Syria attack

The Israeli regime has renewed acts of aggression against the Syrian territories. Syrian media say two Israeli rockets hit the vicinity of an airport in Damascus. There is no word on damage or possible casualties. Israel has recently stepped up its airstrikes in the war-ravaged country. The Syrian government has repeatedly condemned the Israeli aggression. Damascus has also warned about the “dangerous repercussions” of Israeli assaults on its territories.

Greece clashes

Greek police have clashed with protesters who were venting anger over their government’s name deal with neighboring Macedonia. Riot police fired tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the rock-throwing protesters in Thessaloniki, the capital of Greece's Macedonia province. The violence broke out as some three-hundred opponents tried to disrupt a discussion organized by the ruling Syriza party on the agreement. Under the agreement, Greece's northern neighbor will be renamed North Macedonia. The leaders of the two countries said the move would be the beginning of closer, friendly relations and an example to all Balkan nations. Hardliners on both sides are opposed to the deal.

Syria condemns occupation

The Syrian envoy to the United Nations says some governments engage in direct military aggression and justify their occupation of foreign territories as “war on terror”. Bashar al-Ja’afari said the United States was arming and training terrorists at 19 occupied sites in and around Syria. He said that the Israeli occupation of Arab territories was the root cause of all conflicts in the Middle East. Ja’afari also noted that some governments were tampering with reports about the use of chemical weapons in Syria. The Syrian diplomat said Damascus has never used any chemical weapons, adding that Syria no longer possesses any such weapons. Washington and its allies accuse the Syrian government of using chemical weapons in militant-held areas. Damascus has repeatedly rejected the allegations.

California wildfire

A raging wildfire in the US state of California wreaks havoc among citizens, forcing many to evacuate. Erratic wind and heat gripping a swathe of California - from San Jose to the Oregon border- is now driving the flames to rural areas. A fire north of Sacramento destroyed a dozen structures and prompted evacuation orders. The cause of blazes is under investigation. No injuries have been reported. Much of California remains under high alert as hundreds of firefighters are battling the blazes.

Iran slams US JCPOA stance

Iran’s President, Hassan Rouhani, has described the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal as illegal and appalling. Rouhani said the US failed to persuade the EU to pull out from the accord. He said Washington has become isolated as the result of the move. The Iranian president said Tehran will not give in to pressure from Trump. He stated that the Islamic Republic maintains the rights to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes as it has been outlined by the UN Security Council. Rouhani said the US has always been Iran’s foe and has been trying to overthrow the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution.

EU's Venezuela sanctions

Venezuela has denounced the European Union for imposing sanctions on the country’s officials. Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry slammed the bans as an act of aggression and meddling in the country’s sovereign affairs. This, after the EU slapped sanctions on the Venezuelan vice president and ten other officials over the May vote that saw President Nicolas Maduro re-elected. Venezuela’s ruling party also said the sanctions are meant to harm the country.

Vietnam floods

The death toll from flash floods and landslides in northern Vietnam rises to 15. Most of the victims drowned or were buried in landslides, triggered by heavy rains since Saturday. Officials say the toll could go higher as a number of people still remain missing. Authorities have warned of more torrential rains in the northern regions in the coming days. Vietnam is prone to natural disasters, with floods and typhoons killing hundreds of people every year.