Press TV's news headlines

'Open to diplomacy, ready for war'

Iran says the US sanctions on its airlines are against international law, saying the country’s foreign ministry is pursuing consultations with other states to prevent Washington’s illegal measures from affecting air travel. Esmaeil Baqaei was speaking during his weekly presser in Tehran. Baqaei referred to US officials’ comments about the possibility of new attacks, saying the Islamic Republic will defend the country resolutely and with strong determination. He added that Iranians will do whatever they can when it comes to defending the country’s sovereignty. Baqaei noted that Tehran is in favor of diplomacy while at the same time the armed forces are ready to confront any evil act. Regarding Iran’s nuclear program, the spokesman said the country has always been committed to its obligations under the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty. That's while, according to Baqaei, Iran’s nuclear sites came under attack and some of its nuclear scientists were assassinated. 

Saudi Aramco facilities hit 

Yemen’s armed forces say they have carried out two retaliatory operations against Saudi Arabia targeting Aramco facilities. The Yemeni army spokesperson noted these operations were in response to Saudi’s continued aggression against Yemen, adding that Riyadh had recently carried out 50 airstrikes on the country. In an earlier statement, Yahya Saree said the armed forces repelled an attempted Saudi enemy forces advance in the eastern part of al-Jawf province. He said a large number of Saudi military vehicles and equipment were set ablaze, while dozens of enemy personnel were killed or wounded.

Brazil presidential race

Brazilians are voting in a deeply polarized presidential election pitting left-wing incumbent Luiz Lula da Silva against right-winger Flávio Bolsonaro, with polls showing a tight race. With 160 million voters eligible, the race pits Lula, seeking a fourth non-consecutive term, against Bolsonaro, the son of jailed ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, who has promised a hard line on crime and close ties with Washington. Most polls put both at around 40% of the votes, making a run-off on October 25 highly likely. Crime, corruption, and the cost of living dominate voter concerns. Meanwhile, Lula's campaign has asked the electoral court to investigate whether the US suspension of consular services days before the vote amounted to interference favoring his rival.