Trump: U.S.-designed operation against Iran set to last 4–6 weeks but progressing ahead of schedule; U.S. State Department: U.S. to allocate $250 million for development of critical mineral sector

Sputnik News, Washington, March 26 — President Trump stated that the initially planned military operation against Iran was expected to last four to six weeks, but is currently advancing faster than anticipated.

Speaking during his first cabinet meeting following the launch of the operation against Iran, Trump said: "We originally estimated it would take about four to six weeks to complete the mission, but we are significantly ahead of schedule."

Trump added: "Regarding Iran, we will continue doing what we are doing—no one can match the United States."

The U.S. State Department announced on Thursday that the United States will allocate $250 million to develop the critical mineral sector under the 'Pax Silica' initiative.

In a press release, the State Department stated: "Under the new foreign assistance framework of the 'Pax Silica' Foundation initiative—aimed at supporting the extraction and processing of critical minerals, developing key infrastructure, and securing reliable and resilient semiconductor supply chains—the U.S. State Department today announced plans to allocate $250 million in coordination with the U.S. Congress."

The State Department further noted that the foundation is expected to help attract investment from large sovereign funds and private investors, all of whom hold assets exceeding one trillion dollars.

'Pax Silica' is a U.S.-led alliance aimed at ensuring economic security in the era of artificial intelligence. Under this initiative, computing power, silicon, valuable minerals, and electricity are regarded as shared strategic assets.

Creating a sustainable economic order that fosters prosperity for partner nations through artificial intelligence is one of the main pillars of the 'Pax Silica' alliance.

Member countries of the 'Pax Silica' alliance include Australia, Greece, Israel, Japan, Qatar, South Korea, Singapore, the UAE, and the United Kingdom.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1860750044587008/

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