Latest news with #FDD
Khaleej Times
9 hours ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
SEGA™ launched by elegant hoopoe as live system to disrupt global franchising
In a bold move poised to reshape the global franchise industry, elegant hoopoe, the international health-tech brand, has officially launched SEGA™ (Strategic Ecosystem Growth Architecture). This ground breaking framework is a legally registered, dynamic alternative to the static US Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). This new franchise model goes far beyond traditional compliance paperwork. SEGA™ actively integrates legal structure, AI-powered CRM, clinical protocols, and investor architecture into one unified, intelligent system. It is purpose-built to scale transparent and efficient 360° wellness ecosystems globally. 'The world doesn't need more paperwork - it needs systems that reflect reality. SEGA™ is that system,' said Shahriar Shahir Barzegar, visionary entrepreneur and architect of the intelligent franchising model. Unlike traditional franchise models, SEGA™ is built upon seven volumes of detailed operational and strategic standards. Authored and published by elegant hoopoe, these volumes were officially registered with the UAE Ministry of Economy in 2022. These volumes serve as a comprehensive architectural blueprint for the elegant hoopoe ecosystem. They encompass everything from medical and clinical protocol design to AI-powered CRM and operational logic, global brand governance, and franchise investor models with legally compliant structures, all unified to support scalable and intelligent expansion. Today, this live franchise system is actively powering the rollout of 200 international elegant hoopoe branches, backed by a DIFC-compliant legal foundation and protected under WIPO global intellectual property law. The launch of SEGA™ represents a significant shift in the global franchising paradigm from outdated disclosure documents to intelligent, operational ecosystems. At a time when businesses are navigating rapid digital transformation and rising investor expectations, SEGA™ offers a future-ready model that is systemised, scalable, and globally compliant - setting a new benchmark for the next generation of intelligent franchising.
Fox News
6 days ago
- Business
- Fox News
China controls over 80% of battery materials crucial to US defense equipment, unsettling report reveals
In a damning new report, researchers reveal how China came to control over 80% of the critical raw battery materials needed for defense technology — posing an urgent national security threat. Through lax permitting processes, weak environmental standards, and aggressive state-led interventions, China has come to dominate global supplies of graphite, cobalt, manganese, and the battery anode and cathode materials that power advanced defense systems. "Batteries will be one of the bullets of future wars," the report's authors warn, citing their essential role in drones, handheld radios, autonomous submersibles, and emerging capabilities like lasers and directed energy weapons. According to the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has weaponized global battery infrastructure through a combination of state subsidies, forced intellectual property transfers, and predatory pricing practices. China didn't just rely on low-cost tactics — it also used its financial muscle abroad. Over the past two decades, at least 26 state-backed banks have pumped roughly $57 billion into mining and processing projects in Africa, Latin America, and beyond. These investments, often structured through joint ventures and special-purpose vehicles, gave Chinese firms controlling stakes in mineral mining, the report said. Through its Belt and Road Initiative, China has leveraged influence in resource-rich developing nations, securing control over massive critical mineral deposits. Today, it processes approximately 65% of the world's lithium, 85% of graphite, 70% of cathodes, 85% of anodes, and a staggering 97% of anode active materials. Beyond powering drones, handheld radios, and electric vehicles, lithium is critical in strategic military systems: lithium-ion batteries are used in grid support for bases and emerging directed-energy weapons. Moreover, Beijing has begun weaponizing export controls: since 2023, it has tightened restrictions on processed graphite, gallium, and germanium — later adding antimony, tungsten, and rare earths to the roster. These measures curb exports via a licensing regime and broad bans on exports to the U.S., signaling a clear geopolitical leverage too, according to the report. Both lithium and graphite are essential for modern nuclear weapons. Cobalt alloys are used in jet engines, naval turbines, electronics connectors, and sensors capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, vibration, and radiation-making. While American and allied reserves of lithium — both brine and hard rock — are being tapped, with new projects in North and South Carolina targeting domestic spodumene processing, the report claims U.S. mineral mining and refining are not advancing quickly enough to meet national security demands. Permitting obstacles account for roughly 40% of all delays in mining projects, the report notes, with processing operations facing similarly cumbersome constraints. Chinese subsidies "dwarf" those available to U.S. firms, and include tax exemptions, direct manufacturing grants, and ultra-low-interest loans, the report said. U.S. firms are now accelerating investment in domestic alternatives to China's lithium. With new Trump administration initiatives aimed at incentivizing critical mineral development—and forecasts projecting the U.S. lithium market to grow by roughly 500% over the next five years — American companies are beginning to build out processing capacity on home soil. Piedmont Lithium is developing a lithium hydroxide facility in North Carolina to process spodumene concentrate from its U.S. deposits, while Albemarle recently announced plans for a new lithium processing plant in Chester County, South Carolina. Both projects are designed to feed a fast-growing domestic battery ecosystem and reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains. But to become globally competitive, the report argues, the U.S. must take a far more proactive approach, including incentivizing private-sector investment, streamlining federal permitting, establishing a national critical minerals stockpile, building technical talent pipelines, creating special economic zones, and developing robust domestic processing infrastructure. The authors also stress the importance of ally-shoring, recommending diplomatic coordination with trusted partners — similar to prior U.S. efforts involving Ukraine, Greenland, and the DRC in rare-earth sourcing — to construct resilient supply chains beyond China's reach. "Despite China's control of the battery supply chain, this is a time of great vulnerability for Beijing, while the United States and its core allies remain strong," the report concludes. "It is time for new guardrails, muscular statecraft, and a unified international response to non-market manipulation. Building critical supply chains that are independent of China's coercive economic practices can help unleash a wave of cooperation among free-market nations that will lift up both established allies and emerging market partners and turn the tide against China's parasitic economic model."
Hans India
22-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
How a Franchise Consultant Can Help You Achieve Your Business Goals
Franchising offers a structured path to business ownership, but navigating the process can be complex, especially for those new to the industry. With so many franchise systems, investment levels, and legal requirements to consider, choosing the right path can feel overwhelming. That's where a franchise consultant comes in. These professionals play a vital role in helping aspiring franchisees make informed decisions that align with their business goals, values, and lifestyle. Whether you're considering buying your first franchise or expanding your portfolio, a franchise consultant can provide the guidance and support needed to achieve long-term success. Understanding the Role of a Franchise Consultant A franchise consultant such as Infinity Business Growth Network is a knowledgeable advisor who acts as a bridge between franchisors and potential franchisees. They help individuals explore franchise opportunities that match their financial capacity, experience, and personal aspirations. While they may be compensated by franchisors, a reputable consultant prioritizes the needs and interests of their clients, providing unbiased advice throughout the entire process. The consultant's role is far more than simply recommending brands. They take a comprehensive approach, beginning with an in-depth consultation to understand your motivations, skills, business goals, and tolerance for risk. From there, they curate a list of suitable franchise options and guide you through due diligence, ensuring you are fully equipped to make a well-informed decision. Tailoring Opportunities to Your Goals One of the greatest benefits of working with a franchise consultant is their ability to personalize your franchise search. Instead of combing through hundreds of listings on your own, a consultant filters opportunities based on your individual criteria. Whether you're seeking a home-based business for greater flexibility, a multi-unit investment for long-term growth, or a low-cost franchise to match a limited budget, a consultant can help identify the right fit. This customized approach saves time and minimizes stress, allowing you to focus only on options that truly align with your personal and financial objectives. Because consultants are familiar with the current market landscape, they can also introduce you to emerging brands or lesser-known franchises that you might not discover on your own but that hold significant potential. Navigating the Due Diligence Process After narrowing down the list of franchise opportunities, the next crucial step is due diligence. This involves thoroughly evaluating each franchise's financials, support systems, reputation, and operational model. A franchise consultant walks you through this process, explaining key documents like the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), assisting with financial comparisons, and helping you prepare questions to ask existing franchisees. With a consultant by your side, you gain a clearer understanding of each opportunity's strengths, challenges, and growth potential. Their experience helps you avoid common pitfalls, such as underestimating costs, overestimating support, or misjudging the demands of the business. By providing structure and clarity during this stage, consultants play a critical role in protecting your investment. Providing Industry Insights and Expertise Franchise consultants bring a wealth of industry knowledge to the table. Many have worked in franchising themselves or have supported hundreds of clients through the process. They are familiar with what makes a strong franchise system, which brands are growing, and which franchisors offer superior training and support. This insider knowledge is invaluable, especially for first-time buyers who may not know what to look for. Moreover, consultants can identify red flags that might otherwise go unnoticed—such as high franchise turnover rates, inconsistent branding, or poor communication from the franchisor. Their experience enables them to assess not just the opportunity on paper, but how well a franchise is positioned for long-term success in the real world. Supporting Your Long-Term Success The guidance of a franchise consultant doesn't end when you choose a franchise. Many consultants remain available throughout the onboarding process, offering continued support as you transition into ownership. They can provide recommendations on legal advisors, accountants, or financing options, and may also help with understanding operational procedures or marketing strategies. This ongoing relationship can prove especially beneficial in the early months of running your business, when challenges are common and having a trusted advisor can ease the learning curve. By offering encouragement, resources, and perspective, a consultant helps ensure your business gets off to a strong start. Conclusion Embarking on a franchise journey is a major decision—one that requires careful planning, thorough research, and a deep understanding of your own goals. A franchise consultant brings clarity to this process by providing expert insights, streamlining your search, and helping you avoid costly mistakes. With their support, you can confidently choose a franchise opportunity that not only matches your aspirations but sets you on a path toward long-term success. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned investor, partnering with a franchise consultant can be one of the smartest moves you make on your road to business ownership.
Politico
21-07-2025
- Business
- Politico
Charging against China's battery dominance
With help from Joe Gould and Daniel Lippman Subscribe here | Email Robbie | Email Eric FIRST IN NATSEC DAILY — As China steps up what some in Washington are describing as coercive economic statecraft against the United States, a Washington think tank is publishing an accounting of Beijing's nonmarket practices vis-à-vis battery technology. At a Tuesday event on Capitol Hill, The Foundation for Defense of Democracies is releasing a report outlining how Beijing's 'parasitic' efforts to lead the advanced batteries sector are potentially impairing U.S. national security. Your favorite national security newsletter got a first look at the report, which traces how China came to dominate pretty much every part of the production of these batteries, which are used to power everything from electric vehicles to battlefield communications systems and directed energy weapons. In turn, the authors argue Beijing has created chokepoints in the supply chain that can be used to apply pressure on the U.S. and its allies. To be sure, China is not the only country using economic levers in place of more traditional foreign policy tools against its adversaries. Both Trump administrations and the Biden administration have used measures, including export controls, tariffs and targeted sanctions, to keep Beijing from obtaining and developing sensitive technologies. Yet China's structural advantages against the United States have only grown. And batteries in particular are becoming increasingly important to a whole spate of military technologies, most notably drones. Without advanced batteries and the critical minerals that go into them (which China also controls), the U.S. and other allies may be forced to make painful concessions to Beijing or risk falling behind on the battlefield. 'Batteries are the bullets of future wars,' said ELAINE DEZENSKI, one of the authors of the report and the head of the think tank's Center on Economic and Financial Power. 'If we don't have control over those supply chains, we degrade our military capabilities.' Meanwhile, China is making some dramatic economic moves against the United States. Over the weekend, Chinese officials barred a U.S. Commerce Department employee from exiting the country. Today, Chinese officials confirmed they're also similarly targeting a Goldman Sachs executive. And last week, Beijing imposed new export controls against the United States — this time specifically impacting the batteries at the heart of FDD's report. And FDD isn't the only one expressing alarm about China's supply chain dominance — the question of China's economic rise and its impacts on U.S. national security weighed heavily on participants at last week's Aspen Security Forum. In one memorable moment at the Rocky Mountain confab, former Ambassador to China NICHOLAS BURNS said on a panel that 'we have underestimated the speed and strength of China on issues like economic coercion,' noting China's outsized influence over critical mineral supply chains. Dezenski says that the report is intended as a first step to help policymakers in Washington devise the right solutions to protect U.S. manufacturers and businesses that rely on advanced battery technology. 'There's no silver bullet,' Dezenski said. 'Unless we know what we're up against, we can't stop it.' The Inbox RESTARTING RUSSIA-UKRAINE TALKS: Ukrainian President VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY said talks between Russia and Ukraine to end Moscow's three-year invasion will resume Wednesday. Earlier in the day, Reuters reported that there are still plenty of obstacles to talks, should they occur. Zelenskyy said that his agenda is clear and includes 'the return of prisoners of war, the return of children abducted by Russia and the preparation of a leaders' meeting.' But Russian leader VLADIMIR PUTIN views Zelenskyy as an illegitimate leader — making it doubtful the two may meet — and the Kremlin suggested it's still reviewing draft proposals carefully. 'There is our draft memorandum and there is a draft memorandum that has been handed over by the Ukrainian side. There is to be an exchange of views and talks on these two drafts, which are diametrically opposed so far,' said Kremlin spokesperson DMITRY PESKOV. UAE SENDING BACK AFGHAN REFUGEES? The United Arab Emirates already returned some refugees to Afghanistan before President DONALD TRUMP vowed to protect thousands of Afghans who fled potential persecution by the Taliban for helping the U.S. during two decades of military operations in the country. On Sunday, Trump wrote on Truth Social that 'I will try to save them, starting right now,' linking to an article on the Afghans held in limbo in the Emirates. But as Reuters' Humeyra Pamuk reported Sunday night, a State Department cable revealed that the Emiratis already sent Afghan refugees back and informed Washington about the move before Trump issued his promise. Special adviser to the Emirati Foreign Minister SALEM AL-ZAABI told U.S. officials earlier in July that two families were returned to Afghanistan in early July 'at their request, since they were tired of waiting.' More refugees will likely return as they wait in the Emirates and other countries for their asylum claims to be processed. STATE OF THE STOCKPILES: The Jewish Institute for National Security of America think tank is out with new research on the effects of Israel and Iran's recent war on weapons stockpiles, revealing that the U.S. used some of its high-powered weaponry to protect Israel. The U.S. used many more THAAD interceptors than expected to down some Iranian missiles, which evaded Israel's Iron Dome defense system, per data reviewed by JINSA analysts. Iran has shifted away from using drones and regular missiles towards using ballistic missiles, which require more U.S. help to shoot down. Most of the Iranian missiles fired at Israel were ultimately intercepted, though THAAD interceptors are in high demand and their use cost U.S. taxpayers over a billion dollars, per the report. ARI CICUREL, a JINSA analyst who authored the white paper, told NatSec Daily, 'nothing that has been devised or likely will be devised is going to be foolproof.' But it is a warning that the U.S. and Israel need to replenish their stocks of interceptors across the arsenal and innovate such that they can develop even more cost-effective and higher-quality air defense systems. 'The baseline levels they had before are not going to be sufficient going forward. They need to expand the stockpiles that they keep so that in a war of this size, they're not using as large of a percentage of their stocks,' Cicurel said. MARINES HEADED HOME: Hundreds of active-duty Marines who were deployed to Los Angeles in response to protests over the administration's immigration enforcement actions are being sent home, according to CNN. The approximately 700 Marines were deployed along with thousands of National Guard troops. 'With stability returning to Los Angeles, the Secretary has directed the redeployment of the 700 Marines whose presence sent a clear message: lawlessness will not be tolerated,' chief Pentagon spokesman SEAN PARNELL said in a statement. IT'S MONDAY: Thanks for tuning in to NatSec Daily! This space is reserved for the top U.S. and foreign officials, the lawmakers, the lobbyists, the experts and the people like you who care about how the natsec sausage gets made. Aim your tips and comments at ebazail@ and follow Eric on X @ebazaileimil. While you're at it, follow the rest of POLITICO's global security team on X and Bluesky at: @dave_brown24, @HeidiVogt, @jessicameyers, @RosiePerper, @ @PhelimKine, @ak_mack, @felschwartz, @connorobrienNH, @paulmcleary, @reporterjoe, @JackDetsch, @samuelskove, @magmill95, @johnnysaks130 and @delizanickel Keystrokes LAYING DOWN THE LAW: A watershed cyber law is set to expire this fall, and lawmakers have yet to make the necessary moves to keep it on the books, our colleagues at Morning Cyber report (for Pros!). The 2015 Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act, which uses legal safeguards to incentivize sharing information on cyber threats between the private sector and government, sunsets on Sept. 30. But despite its popularity and urging from the private sector to renew it, there's been little action to date on the Hill. 'The time to begin discussing and circulating potential changes to CISA 2015 was six months ago, if not earlier,' complained Rep. BENNIE THOMPSON (D-Miss.), the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chair RAND PAUL (R-Ky.), who opposed the initial law, hasn't signaled the renewal is a priority for him. House Homeland Chair MARK GREEN (R-Tenn.) just resigned from Congress, but Rep. ANDREW GARBARINO (R-N.Y.), who is running to succeed him and chairs the cyber subpanel, has vowed to renew the law if he wins the gavel. The Complex BRASS TACKS: Several nominees for top military posts head to Capitol Hill this week to make their case, as pressure from Trump to have these roles filled by summer intensifies. The nominee to lead U.S. Africa Command, Air Force Lt. Gen. DAGVIN ANDERSON, and the pick to head up Special Operations Command, Navy Vice Adm. FRANK BRADLEY, face the Senate Armed Services Committee at a confirmation hearing on Tuesday. Trump's pick for chief of naval operations, Adm. DARYL CAUDLE, is set to testify at a long-awaited hearing Thursday after the Navy's last top officer, Adm. LISA FRANCHETTI, was fired in February. Most military promotions are confirmed with little trouble, and large swaths are typically approved just before Congress breaks for August. But Trump in a Truth Social post this weekend urged Majority Leader JOHN THUNE (R-S.D.) to cancel the chamber's August recess and 'long weekends' so senators can get his nominees confirmed. The tension there will largely be with his civilian nominees, a roster that includes 17 picks for Pentagon posts awaiting confirmation votes on the Senate floor. On the Hill EYE ON ARMS EXPORTS: House Foreign Affairs meets tomorrow to consider eight bills — some that could streamline U.S. arms exports and foreign military sales overseas, potentially unlocking faster deals. It's wonky, but it impacts partners abroad and the multibillion-dollar defense trade. Rep. MICHAEL BAUMGARTNER (R-Wash.) proposal would require the State Department to decide on export licenses within 45 days for trusted allies and 60 days for others — a shift from today's process under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, which sets no deadlines. Partners in Europe and Asia have long complained of bureaucratic bottlenecks. The bill would compel State to publish an annual list of allies who qualify for fast-track approvals. Another bill, the Missile Technology Control Revision Act from Rep. BILL HUIZENGA (R-Mich.), would amend the Arms Export Control Act to eliminate the MTCR's 'presumption of denial' for certain exports. Australia and the U.K. — both AUKUS pact partners — would be treated like NATO and non-NATO allies. That could ease exports of 'Category 1' drones — which can carry payloads over 1,100 pounds or fly more than 186 miles — subject to the strictest restrictions. Broadsides GROWING GAZA FRUSTRATIONS: A spate of Western leaders are calling for the immediate end to the war in Gaza following a controversial Israeli military strike on the enclave's only Catholic church and the killing of Palestinians trying to receive humanitarian aid. France, Italy, Japan, Australia, Canada, Denmark and other countries today condemned the killing of more than 800 Palestinians, describing Israel's actions as the 'drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians.' That followed comments from Belgian King PHILIPPE urging Europe to 'show stronger leadership' and backing a call from U.N. Secretary-General ANTÓNIO GUTERRES for an immediate ceasefire. POPE LEO XIV too demanded an end to the 'barbarity' of the war in Gaza while delivering remarks at the papal summer palace of Castel Gandolfo. International pressure on Israel has mounted in recent weeks. A group of progressive leaders from twenty countries gathered in Bogotá and called for a global arms embargo. Israel, for its part, has pushed back on the calls for it to end its war effort. In a post on X, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said the statement from the group countries 'is disconnected from reality and sends the wrong message to Hamas.' Transitions — Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee have made some staff moves, NatSec Daily has learned. AMY ENGLISH has been promoted to deputy staff director for Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Formerly, she was Sen. JEANNE SHAHEEN's foreign policy advisor in the personal office and worked at the British Embassy. Meanwhile, MEGAN BARTLEY, a longtime committee staffer and counsel, took over as chief counsel to committee Democrats earlier this year. With the decision earlier this year to name NAZ DURAKOGLU as Democratic staff director, that means the Foreign Relations Committee is the only Senate committee with an all-female leadership team. — The Center for Strategic and International Studies named JERRY MCGINN the inaugural director of its new Center for the Industrial Base, formerly known as the Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group. McGinn was the principal deputy director in DOD's Office of Manufacturing and Industrial Base Policy. He established and led the Baroni Center for Government Contracting at George Mason University, serving as its executive director since 2018. — Lt. Gen. SHAWN BRATTON has been nominated to succeed Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. MICHAEL GUETLEIN, who was confirmed to lead the Golden Dome program. Bratton is currently the deputy chief of space operations for strategy, plans, programs, and requirements. — Gen. THOMAS BUSSIERE, now head of Air Force Global Strike Command, has been nominated to be vice chief of staff for the Air Force. The service's No. 2 job has been without a Senate-confirmed officer since Gen. JAMES SLIFE was dismissed in February. — ADHAM SAHLOUL is now senior adviser and coordinator of the newly launched North Star Policy Initiative. Sahloul previously was a special adviser at the Pentagon and USAID under President Joe Biden. What to Read — Amy Mackinnon, POLITICO: Vodka Toasts With the Dictator of Belarus: How Diplomacy Gets Done in Trump 2.0 — Mat Youkee, Americas Quarterly: U.S. Pressure on Huawei Reaches New Heights in Panama — Antonia Hitchens, The New Yorker: Donald Trump's Tariff Dealmaker-in-Chief Tomorrow Today — Senate Armed Services Committee, 9:30 a.m.: Nominations — Senate Foreign Relations Committee, 10 a.m.: Nomination of Jason Evans to be an undersecretary of State for management — House Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee, 10 a.m.: Fully Operational: Stuxnet 15 Years Later and the Evolution of Cyber Threats to Critical Infrastructure — Atlantic Council, 10 a.m.: The Resilience of the Israeli Economy in Times of War — Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, 10:30 a.m.: Virtual discussion on 'the challenges in Europe and Africa.' — Heritage Foundation, 10:30 a.m.: 2025 B.C. Lee Lecture on 'U.S. Engagement with China' with Rep. JOHN MOOLENAAR (R-Mich.) — Institute of World Politics, 12 p.m.: A Solution for the Kurdish Conflict in Iran: Federalism or Secession? — Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, 2 p.m.: Getting to a Pragmatic Cuba Policy for the United States — Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center, 2 p.m.: 'What new geopolitical shifts mean for the South Caucasus,' focusing on Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. — Senate Foreign Relations Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women's Issues Subcommittee, 2:30 p.m.: The Status of Democracy and Human Rights in Hong Kong, Five Years After the PRC's (People's Republic of China) Judicial Takeover Thanks to our editors, Rosie Perper and Katherine Long, who view Eric as an illegitimate leader of this newsletter.
India Today
16-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
Khamenei warns of 'even bigger blow' to US and Israel if attacked again
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has once again warned the United States and Israel amid rising pressure on Tehran over its nuclear activities. Speaking on state television Wednesday, Khamenei said, "The fact that our nation is ready to face the power of the United States and its dog on a leash, the Zionist regime, is very praiseworthy."Khamenei referred to Iran's strike on the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, saying it was "just the beginning" and warned that "an even bigger blow could be inflicted on the US and others." His comments came the West continue to push for fresh nuclear negotiations while also considering the possibility of reimposing sanctions on MISSILE STRENGTH STILL A CONCERNDespite recent Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities -- including a destructive hit on the Fordow nuclear site in June -- US intelligence has assessed that while Iran's nuclear ambitions may be delayed by up to two years, its missile and drone capabilities remain mostly intact. According to Bill Roggio, a senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defence of Democracies (FDD) and editor of the Long War Journal, Iran still possesses around 1,500 medium-range ballistic missiles and roughly 50 percent of its launch SAYS HE'S 'IN NO RUSH TO TALK'Amid ongoing tensions, US President Donald Trump has adopted a cautious tone on the issue. Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Trump said he remains open to negotiations but added, "I'm in no rush to talk."NUCLEAR TALKS UNCERTAIN AS SANCTIONS THREATENMeanwhile, Western nations have made it clear that if Iran fails to make progress on talks with the US by the end of the summer, they may activate the "snapback" sanctions — a provision under the 2015 nuclear deal allowing the re-imposition of international sanctions if Iran fails to Foreign Ministry told Fox News Digital, "A sustainable and verifiable diplomatic solution that addresses the security interests of the international community is essential. If such a solution is not achieved by the end of the summer, the snapback mechanism will remain an option for the E3."The E3 refers to France, Germany, and the United Kingdom — the three European countries involved in the 2015 nuclear agreement known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "We continue to coordinate closely with our E3 partners on this issue," the German ministry added.- EndsWith inputs from ReutersMust Watch
