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Iran's Nuclear Ambitions

The recent US military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities have raised questions about the current state of Iran's nuclear program and its potential to develop a nuclear weapon. While the US administration claims that the strikes have "completely and totally obliterated" Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities, there are conflicting reports and expert opinions on the true extent of the damage.

On June 22, 2025, the United States launched a series of airstrikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. The operation, codenamed "Midnight Hammer," involved B-2 Spirit stealth bombers dropping massive bunker-buster bombs and a submarine launching Tomahawk missiles. President Donald Trump announced that the strikes were a "spectacular military success" and that Iran's nuclear ambitions had been "obliterated."

However, a leaked preliminary intelligence assessment from the Defense Intelligence Agency suggests that the strikes may have only set back Iran's nuclear program by a few months. According to sources familiar with the report, the attacks sealed off the entrances to two facilities but did not collapse their underground structures. Additionally, it is believed that some centrifuges used for uranium enrichment might still be intact.

Further complicating the picture, there are indications that Iran may have relocated its stockpile of enriched uranium prior to the strikes. Satellite imagery from the days before the attack shows trucks at the Fordo and Isfahan sites, possibly moving materials away from the facilities. If Iran has safeguarded its enriched uranium, it could potentially resume its nuclear activities more quickly than if the stockpile had been destroyed.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that the three sites were hit and has reported extensive damage, particularly at Esfahan and Fordo. However, the agency also noted that there has been no increase in off-site radiation, suggesting that any radioactive materials were not released during the attacks.

Experts are divided on the long-term impact of the strikes. David Albright, president of the Institute for Science and International Security, stated that restoring Iran's nuclear program would require significant time, investment, and energy, and that Iran risks further attacks if it attempts to rebuild. Conversely, Jeffrey Lewis, a professor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, argues that the program is not destroyed and that Iran might still possess the necessary materials to continue its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Prior to the strikes, the IAEA had reported that Iran possessed over 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, which is close to the 90% purity needed for a nuclear weapon. If this stockpile remains intact, Iran could theoretically use it to produce a bomb relatively quickly, provided it can rebuild its enrichment capabilities.

However, with the facilities damaged, Iran would need to reconstruct its infrastructure, a process that could take months or even years, depending on the extent of the damage and the resources available to Iran.

Moreover, Iran is now under intense international scrutiny, and any efforts to rebuild its nuclear program would likely face strong opposition, including the possibility of further military action.

In conclusion, while the US strikes have undoubtedly inflicted damage on Iran's nuclear facilities, the true impact on Iran's ability to develop a nuclear weapon remains uncertain. The status of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile and the resilience of its underground facilities are key factors that will determine how close Iran is to possessing a nuclear bomb. As of now, it is unclear whether the strikes have significantly delayed Iran's nuclear ambitions or merely caused a temporary setback.

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Stargate project, Trump and the AI war...

In a dramatic return to the global political stage, former President Donald J. Trump, as the current 47th President of the United States of America, has unveiled his latest initiative, the so-called ‘Stargate Project,’ in a bid to cement the United States’ dominance in artificial intelligence and outpace China’s meteoric rise in the field. The newly announced programme, cloaked in patriotic rhetoric and ambitious targets, is already stirring intense debate over the future of technological competition between the world’s two largest economies.According to preliminary statements from Trump’s team, the Stargate Project will consolidate the efforts of leading American tech conglomerates, defence contractors, and research universities under a centralised framework. The former president, who has long championed American exceptionalism, claims this approach will provide the United States with a decisive advantage, enabling rapid breakthroughs in cutting-edge AI applications ranging from military strategy to commercial innovation.“America must remain the global leader in technology—no ifs, no buts,” Trump declared at a recent press conference. “China has been trying to surpass us in AI, but with this new project, we will make sure the future remains ours.”Details regarding funding and governance remain scarce, but early indications suggest the initiative will rely heavily on public-private partnerships, tax incentives for research and development, and collaboration with high-profile venture capital firms. Skeptics, however, warn that the endeavour could fan the flames of an increasingly militarised AI race, raising ethical concerns about surveillance, automation of warfare, and data privacy. Critics also question whether the initiative can deliver on its lofty promises, especially in the face of existing economic and geopolitical pressures.Yet for its supporters, the Stargate Project serves as a rallying cry for renewed American leadership and an antidote to worries over China’s technological ascendancy. Proponents argue that accelerating AI research is paramount if the United States wishes to preserve not just military supremacy, but also the economic and cultural influence that has typified its global role for decades.Whether this bold project will succeed—or if it will devolve into a symbolic gesture—remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the Stargate Project has already reignited debate about how best to safeguard America’s strategic future and maintain the balance of power in the fast-evolving arena of artificial intelligence.

Truth: The end of the ‘Roman Empire’

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Malaysia's Strategic Ascent

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The government’s emphasis on credible economic governance has also played a crucial role in maintaining investor confidence.Vision for a High-Income FutureIn recent years, Malaysia has set its sights on becoming a high-income, developed nation while ensuring sustainable shared prosperity. The government’s National Investment Aspirations (NIA), adopted in 2021, has been instrumental in reshaping the country’s investment landscape. The NIA prioritises foreign direct investment (FDI) that enhances local research and development (R&D), generates high-income jobs, and integrates Malaysia into global supply chains. This framework has laid the foundation for the New Industrial Master Plan, which aims to further boost Malaysia’s economic complexity and innovation.World-Class InfrastructureMalaysia’s infrastructure is another critical asset. 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Notably, the Malaysian ringgit appreciated by 2.7 percent in 2024, making it one of the few Asian currencies to strengthen during the year.A Forward-Looking EconomyLooking ahead, Malaysia’s growth is expected to be fuelled by robust investment expansion, resilient household spending, and a recovery in exports. The government’s Twelfth Malaysia Plan, which focuses on accelerating economic growth through selective investments and infrastructure development, is set to play a pivotal role in achieving these goals. Government-linked investment vehicles continue to invest in key sectors, further bolstering the economy.Stability and InclusivityMalaysia’s ability to manage inter-ethnic tensions pragmatically has also contributed to its economic stability. Despite occasional challenges, the country has maintained growth momentum, a testament to its inclusive development policies. The government’s focus on sustainable shared prosperity ensures that economic benefits are distributed equitably, fostering social cohesion and long-term stability.ConclusionIn conclusion, Malaysia’s strategic location, advanced infrastructure, diversified economy, and forward-thinking government policies have positioned it as a linchpin in Asia’s economic future. As the country continues to navigate global uncertainties while pursuing its vision of becoming a high-income nation, Malaysia is well on its way to becoming Asia’s most strategic economy.