Iran has grown more confident in its military capabilities after more than six months of war and increasingly convinced of its leverage necessary to sustain its confrontation with the United States, The New York Times reported Friday, citing recent U.S. intelligence assessments.
The assessments paint a picture far removed from early expectations, when President Donald Trump confidently foresaw a quick and decisive victory following the launch of U.S. and Israeli attacks against Iran on Feb 28.
After months of intermittent fighting, Tehran has developed a better understanding of both its military strengths and the limits of U.S. power, officials briefed on the intelligence said.
The assessments show that Iran has now become more convinced of the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran appears determined to prolong the war at least until the November midterm elections in the U.S. to increase political and economic pressure on Washington, said the report.
Iran grows more confident, prepares for longer war: U.S. intelligence
Iran grows more confident, prepares for longer war: U.S. intelligence
More than 30 female entrepreneurs from developing countries visited exhibition booths and carried out business negotiations at the 140th edition of the China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) in Guangzhou City, south China's Guangdong Province, on Monday.
This year, the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) organized for the first time a delegation of female entrepreneurs from developing countries to attend the Canton Fair.
The 34 female entrepreneurs mainly came from Latin America, Africa and Asia, and most of them are running small and micro enterprises in their respective countries, with the products covering daily consumer goods, handicrafts, textiles, clothing, and processing of specialty agricultural products.
They were amazed by a clothing AI agent, which was able to show try-on effects of various types of clothes.
"I love the clothes, the dresses, I love it. When I try it, I feel mannequin. I'm so happy to be here," said an entrepreneur from Cote d'Ivoire.
"I am looking for contract manufacturing for skincare, and also I'm looking for packaging," said another entrepreneur from Peru.
The delegation also participated in themed forums and dedicated supply-and-purchase matchmaking events.
On topics such as support for female entrepreneurship and cross-border trade for small and medium-sized enterprises, participants shared the opportunities and challenges for female entrepreneurs in developing countries, and exchanged experiences in cross-border trade, which helped build a platform for establishing connections and expanding cooperation among enterprises.
"Every time I go to Canton Fair, I buy some samples and keep in touch with every supplier I meet. Now I want to buy more products in the Canton Fair," said an entrepreneur from Vietnam.
The 140th Canton Fair runs in three phases in Guangzhou from Oct 15 to Nov 4.
Female entrepreneurs from developing countries experience goods, build connections at Canton Fair
