Pakistan: Militants hijack train in Baluchistan

According to the Saudi Gazette, a train carrying hundreds of passengers has been attacked and halted by armed militants in Pakistan's Baluchistan region.

The Baluch Liberation Army (BLA) confirmed it had attacked the Jaffar Express Train which was traveling from Quetta to Rawalpindi.

The militant group has also claimed the train is under their control.

Pakistani police told news reporters that they had received information that three people, including the train driver, had been injured in the attack.

Police added that security forces had been sent to the scene of the attack.

In a statement, the BLA, a militant separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attack and said they had taken hostages from the train, including security forces.

Officials from the provincial government or railways did not confirm on hostages being taken.

Security forces had reached the site of the incident, in the Mushqaf area of the Bolan district, a railway official said.

The provincial government has imposed emergency measures and all institutions have been mobilized to deal with the situation, government spokesperson Shahid Rind said.

A decades-long insurgency in Baluchistan by separatist militant groups has led to frequent attacks against the government, army and Chinese interests in the region, pressing demands for a share in mineral-rich resources.

The BLA seeks independence for Baluchistan. It is the biggest of several ethnic insurgent groups that have battled the South Asian nation’s government for decades, saying it unfairly exploits Baluchistan’s rich gas and mineral resources.

Nasdaq sees biggest one-day drop since 2022

US stocks plunged on Monday as relentless tariff wrangling and mounting anxieties from a possible federal government shutdown gave rise to fears that the US economy could be careening into recession.

The previous week's steep selloff resumed, gathering momentum as the session progressed, with all three major US indexes suffering sharp declines.

The S&P 500 had its biggest one-day drop since December 18 and the tech-loaded Nasdaq slid 4.0%, its biggest single-day percentage drop since September 2022.

The S&P 500, coming off of its biggest weekly percentage drop since September, is 8.6% below its record closing high reached less than a month ago.

On Thursday, the tech-loaded Nasdaq dipped more than 10% below its record closing high touched on December 19, confirming that it has been in a correction since then.

The bellwether S&P 500 closed below its 200-day moving average, a closely watched support level, for the first time since November 2023.

"It's a material drop for one day but we're seeing the normal sort of drawdown that you see in an upmarket," said Tom Hainlin, national investment strategist at US Bank Wealth Management in Minneapolis. "Concerns are mounting and investors are moving to the sidelines, but we haven't seen growth worries manifest in data yet."

On Sunday, Trump declined to comment on the negative market reaction to his on-again, off-again tariff actions against the biggest US trading partners, and whether anxieties related to his erratic policy shifts could nudge a softening economy into recession.

HSBC downgraded US stocks, citing uncertainty around tariffs.

A Reuters poll of economists reflected the growing risks of recession for the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Tech stocks are under pressure from a stronger Japanese yen and a spike in sovereign bond yields, as investors unwind yen carry trades on expectations of an upcoming interest rate hike in Japan.

The carry trades involve borrowing yen at a low cost to invest in other currencies and assets offering higher yields, and that unwinding is at least partially responsible for the selloff in tech stocks such as the "Magnificent 7" group of artificial intelligence-related megacaps.

 

 

Iran, Russia and China to participate in naval drill in Indian Ocean

Iran, Russia, and China are set to conduct a large-scale joint naval exercise in the northern Indian Ocean, focusing on maritime security operations and strategic military coordination.

The drill, named Security Belt-2025, will take place in early and mid-March near Iran’s southeastern Chabahar Port, involving various branches of the three nations' naval forces.  

The Chinese Defense Ministry announced the exercise on Sunday via its official Weibo account, detailing that the drill will include multiple training operations such as maritime target strikes, VBSS (visit, board, search, and seizure), damage control, and joint search and rescue missions.  

According to the ministry, the primary goal of Security Belt-2025 is to enhance military trust and strengthen practical cooperation between the participating forces. China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy is set to deploy a destroyer and a replenishment ship for the exercise.  

A Chinese military analyst emphasized that the drill will contribute to safeguarding security in a strategically critical region, particularly one that serves as a key transit route for global energy shipments.  

Security Belt-2025 marks the fifth joint naval exercise between Iran, China, and Russia since 2019.

Over the past few years, the three nations have conducted multiple military drills to reinforce regional maritime stability and safeguard international trade routes.  

In addition to countering piracy and maritime terrorism, these exercises have facilitated intelligence sharing on naval rescue operations and the exchange of tactical and operational expertise.  

In March 2024, the Iranian Navy, along with Chinese and Russian naval and airborne units, participated in the Maritime Security Belt-2024 drills.

Observers from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Oman, Pakistan, and South Africa attended the exercises, reflecting the growing interest in multilateral maritime cooperation.  

The joint maneuvers were designed to strengthen maritime security, bolster international trade protection, combat piracy, and enhance operational coordination among naval forces.

The drills also served as a demonstration of the participants' collective commitment to global peace and stability at sea.  

As part of the upcoming exercises, the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) will deploy two advanced vessels: the Shahid Nazeri and the Shahid Sayyad Shirazi.  

Commissioned into the IRGC Navy in September 2016, the Shahid Nazeri is a high-speed patrol and reconnaissance vessel designed for extended operational reach. With a length of 55 meters, a width of 14 meters, and a height of 13 meters, the vessel significantly enhances the IRGCN’s maritime capabilities, extending its operational range up to 10,000 kilometers.  

The Shahid Nazeri features a specialized twin-hull (SWATH – Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull) design, providing enhanced stability in high-speed operations and rough seas. Its design ensures that it remains steady even at high speeds, reducing the risk of capsizing.  

Equipped with a helicopter landing pad, the vessel can conduct surveillance and reconnaissance missions across various maritime zones, making it a valuable asset for intelligence gathering and patrol operations.  

The Shahid Sayyad Shirazi is a newly commissioned stealth warship from the Shahid Soleimani class, officially joining the IRGC Navy in February 2024. This catamaran-style ocean-going vessel is designed for high-speed operations, with a maximum speed of 45 knots.  

Armed with a wide array of offensive and defensive missile systems, the Shahid Sayyad Shirazi is equipped with vertical-launch Nawab air defense missiles and Sayyad cruise missiles with a strike range of 700 kilometers.  

With a length of 67 meters, a width of 20 meters, and a displacement of 600 tons, the vessel is powered by four engines, enabling long-distance operations. It has an operational range of 5,500 nautical miles and is capable of carrying three missile-launching fast attack boats along with an armed combat helicopter.  

 

Qatar calls for US-Iran agreement

According to media reports, Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani has emphasized the urgent need for a diplomatic agreement between the United States and Iran, reaffirming that Qatar would not support any military escalation in the region.

“There is no way that Qatar would support any kind of military step in that region. We will not give up until we see a diplomatic solution between the United States and Iran. This needs to reach an agreement,” Al-Thani said, as quoted by Al Jazeera.

His remarks came shortly after US President Donald Trump hinted on Friday at the possibility of a "peace agreement" with Iran.

In a televised interview with journalist Tucker Carlson, Al-Thani underscored regional concerns over potential military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, stressing that Iran is “our next-door neighbor, and we have to maintain good relations with all our neighbors... It is in the interest of the region to have a better relationship with Iran.”

He also highlighted "huge progress" in relations between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Iran in recent years. While acknowledging policy differences with Tehran, he asserted that these had not negatively impacted diplomatic ties with Gulf states.

Trump, speaking on Friday, stated that interesting days lay ahead in US-Iran relations as he sought either to negotiate a new nuclear deal with Tehran or consider "the other option," an apparent reference to military action.

In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi dismissed direct negotiations with Washington, stating that as long as the US policy of maximum pressure and threats continues, we will not enter into direct negotiations with the US.

Discussing Qatar's involvement in mediating the Gaza ceasefire, Al-Thani noted that Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani had consistently prioritized humanitarian efforts, stating, “If we are able to save a single life, it is worth everything.”

He acknowledged that Qatar had faced significant criticism throughout the 15-month conflict in Gaza.

“We’ve been under significant attacks for 15 months during this war on Gaza, something unbelievable, no one would handle such an attack,” he said.

Despite the challenges, he emphasized Qatar’s tireless efforts in brokering a ceasefire, stating that seeing celebrations in both Gaza and Israel upon announcing the deal had made the hardships worthwhile.

Al-Thani credited the successful agreement to joint efforts by Qatar, the US, and other partners, singling out US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff for playing a key role in pushing negotiations forward.

 

Princess Haifa presents credentials to Macron

Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Spain Princess Haifa bint Abdulaziz Al-Muqrin handed over her credentials as a non-resident ambassador to the Principality of Andorra to French President and the Co-Prince of Andorra Emmanuel Macron in a ceremony held at the Elysee Palace in Paris, reports Saudi Gazette.

Andorra is a sovereign landlocked country on the Iberian Peninsula, in the eastern Pyrenees in Western Europe, bordered by France to the north and Spain to the south. Andorra is a parliamentary co-principality with the bishop of Urgell in Spain and the president of France as co-princes. It’s popular for its ski resorts and a tax-haven status that encourages duty-free shopping.

Princess Haifa, one of the most influential Saudi women figures, was appointed as the Kingdom's ambassador to Spain in January 2024. Earlier, she held the position of the Kingdom's permanent representative to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). She also worked at the United Nations Development Program for seven years.

Princess Haifa is an expert in international institutional work, and one of the women who represented Saudi Arabia in international forums abroad. She has won the King Abdulaziz Order of Excellence in recognition of her outstanding contributions.

What gives the US authority to impose sanctions on other countries?

It is believed that the United States has the legal authority to impose sanctions based on a combination of constitutional powers, legislative acts, executive orders, and national security considerations. Sanctions can be imposed for a range of reasons, from counterterrorism efforts to enforcing international law or responding to violations of human rights or international norms. However, the time has come to reject these power, which cause difficulties for the nations the US does not like.

Sanctions are often imposed for reasons related to US national security. This could include targeting foreign governments or groups that support terrorism, are involved in weapons proliferation, or engage in activities that harm US foreign policy objectives.

While US sanctions are often unilateral, they can also be part of multilateral efforts. The US may align its sanctions with those of international organizations, such as the United Nations or the European Union, especially when it comes to issues like nuclear proliferation, terrorism, and human rights violations. In this context, sanctions are seen as part of broader international diplomatic efforts.

The President has the authority to issue executive orders to implement sanctions without needing Congressional approval. These orders often cite national security concerns, international obligations, or the need to enforce specific laws (like the IEEPA) to restrict economic relations with certain countries or individuals.

 

Here's a breakdown of the key legal and institutional bases for US sanctions:

1. US Constitution

• Executive Powers (Article II): The President of the United States, as the head of the executive branch, has the authority to conduct foreign policy and engage in international relations. This includes the power to implement sanctions as a tool of diplomacy and national security.
• Congressional Powers (Article I): Congress has the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and declare war. This allows it to pass laws that authorize sanctions, and the executive branch often implements those laws.

2. Specific Legislation

Several US laws grant the authority to impose sanctions, including:

• International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) (1977): This law grants the President broad powers to regulate international trade and economic transactions in response to national emergencies. Under this act, the President can block financial transactions, freeze assets, and prohibit trade with foreign governments or entities that pose a threat to U.S. interests.
• Trading with the Enemy Act (1917): Initially passed during World War I, this law allows the President to regulate or prohibit trade with foreign nations deemed enemies during wartime or national emergencies.
• The USA PATRIOT Act (2001): This law expanded the President's powers to combat terrorism and the financing of terrorist activities, enabling sanctions targeting individuals and entities linked to terrorism.
• Magnitsky Act (2012): This law allows the U.S. government to impose sanctions on individuals involved in human rights violations and corruption, even if they are not from countries officially designated as threats to U.S. security.
• Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) (2017): This law specifically targets countries like Russia, Iran, and North Korea, providing a legal framework for imposing sanctions against foreign governments and individuals involved in activities that threaten U.S. security or foreign policy.

 

 

Shift in US allegiance from Kyiv to Moscow raises concerns

A pressing question is emerging: can Asian allies such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines still rely on Washington after Donald Trump's betrayal of Ukraine? The US administration’s shift in allegiance from Kyiv to Moscow has raised concerns.

There are growing fears that Trump's unorthodox approach to the Ukraine conflict could signal a broader, more isolationist US strategy. This shift suggests that no allies, whether in Europe or Asia, can count on Washington's support in the event of a major crisis. Both the Pentagon and Congress are increasingly influenced by voices advocating restraint, with a clear desire to keep America out of significant overseas conflicts.

In this uncertain geopolitical landscape, Asian allies will likely need to strengthen their strategic autonomy. Notably, even the Philippines has begun openly discussing the advantages of multi-alignment, with plans to host a summit bringing together like-minded states from Europe and Asia to explore closer cooperation among middle powers.

It is expected that US allies in both Asia and Europe will pursue a collective strategic approach, aimed at countering Trump's erratic policies while addressing the growing threats posed by Russia and China.