Dan Gonzales

In April RAND hosted a U.S. Quantum Computer (QC) Strategy Workshop. Here are the QC experts from U.S. industry and govt. that helped craft U.S. strategies for maintaining U.S. leadership in quantum computing.

JUST IN - International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirms, using satellite imagery, that the heavy water production plant at Khondab, part of the Arak Nuclear Complex in Iran, "has sustained severe damage and is no longer operational."

🚨 BREAKING: The UAE has seized $530 billion in Iranian assets, revoked all Iranian residency permits including Golden Visas, despite earlier “99‑year residency” promises

@Gaza24Live The plane is flying backwards. Video is a fabrication

My name is Rima and I am a Lithuanian American medic serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I see all over x that morale is low among you. Do not give up. Stay strong and fight with us. I know it's hard but we have to dig deep. Share if you are still in the fight with us.

After U.S. forces turned China’s most advanced anti-stealth radar—the JY-27A—into little more than lawn art, Xi reportedly ordered the execution of its chief designer, Yang Wei. Engineering with Chinese characteristics…

U.S. astronaut evacuated from space station suffered from a mysterious illness. He suddenly lost the ability to speak. No explanation yet found

A failed bombing at MacDill Air Force Base has led to charges against siblings Alen and Ann Mary Zheng. Alen allegedly planted an IED near the base on March 10 and later called 911, but the device was only found 6 days later and did not detonate. Investigators say it was capable of causing serious harm. He fled to China on March 12 after selling his car, while Ann Mary was arrested in Detroit on March 17 after returning to the U.S. She is accused of helping him escape and covering up evidence. Authorities found bomb-making materials at their home and explosive residue in the vehicle. Their mother is in ICE custody. Alen faces up to 40 years. Ann Mary faces up to 30 years.

EU politicians in denial about the loss of Qatari LNG

NATO RUTTE: 30 COUNTRIES DISCUSSING ISSUE OF KEEPING SEA LANES OPEN

BREAKING: Major confrontation between China and the Philippines near the Scarborough Shoal. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) have deployed 2 PCG vessels and 5 fishery patrol vessels to the shoal after Chinese Coast Guard vessels started harassing more than 20 Filipino fishing boats in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Philippines. A Filipino Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight over the area documented 6 China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, 20 China Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels, and one People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) warship carrying out offensive activities in the area. Via @jaytaryela

BREAKING: The Iranian dissident & pro-Pahlavi Mohamed Shafiei has been shot in the Netherlands in what seems to be another IRGC assassination attempt on European soil. Mohamed, who works as a civilian ICT employee of the police in Schoonhoven, was shot near his home. If people like @geertwilderspvv would have gotten their way, these IRGC agents would have long been deported or behind bars.   🇳🇱

Update: Taiwan & South Korea – No Natural Gas or Helium Shortages On Horizon Despite Qatar Disruptions (March 25, 2025) Taiwan and South Korea depend greatly on imported fossil fuels. Recent Iranian attacks on Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG facilities damaged production, triggered force majeure declarations on some long-term contracts, and temporarily halted or reduced helium output (a byproduct of natural gas processing). Qatar previously supplied ~30–33% of global helium and a significant share of LNG to both countries. Natural Gas (LNG) Supply · Taiwan: On 3/25, Officials said supplies are secured through end-May 2026, with 50% of June already scheduled via alternatives. Qatar previously accounted for one-third of Taiwan’s LNG imports. The nation has activated emergency procurement and is shifting more imports to the US and Australia. Last year, natural gas fueled 53.3% of Taiwan’s electricity generation, followed by coal 26.6% and renewables 12.7%. · South Korea: Less dependent on natural gas for power (nuclear and coal play larger roles). In 2025, natural gas accounted for ~26–28% of electricity generation. Qatar supplied ~14–15% of South Korea’s LNG imports (third-largest source after Australia and Malaysia). Authorities say no major supply disruption is expected due to diversified sources and alternatives. Helium Supply & Semiconductors Helium is critical for semiconductor manufacturing (used as a carrier gas and for cooling in processes like lithography and deposition). · Taiwan officials state there is no shortage risk for at least six months. Semiconductor firms have strong inventories (industry reports suggest 1–2 quarters of buffer in some cases) and diversified sourcing (now emphasizing the US and Australia over cheaper Qatari supply). Most helium in advanced fabs is already recycled on-site; new/virgin helium is used only as a supplement. · South Korea: Chip makers (Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix) report ~6 months of stockpiles. However, South Korea was more exposed: it sourced 64.7% of its helium imports from Qatar in 2025. Firms are actively seeking alternatives. Neon Gas Lessons TSMC, Samsung, and SK Hynix are relatively well-positioned in helium thanks to lessons from the 2022 neon gas crisis, caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which risked ~70% of the high-purity neon supply. The chip giants have implemented three main responses: · Optimizing processes to reduce helium consumption. · Diversifying suppliers (increased reliance on the US, the world’s largest producer). · Deploying advanced on-site helium recycling/reuse systems. Recycling & Recovery Rates Large advanced fabs with modern closed-loop systems typically achieve 80–90% helium recovery rates. This means net consumption of fresh helium is much lower than gross usage — often cited in the 10–30% range depending on the fab and process. Broader Alternatives & Resilience · Primary global helium suppliers: United States (largest), Qatar (second, now disrupted), Russia, Algeria, Canada, and smaller/emerging sources. · Industrial gas partners (Air Liquide, Linde, Air Products, and local firms like TEMC in Korea provide storage, purification, and localized supply chain support. · Overall, while medium-term risks exist if disruptions drag on (repairs to Ras Laffan could take years), near-term semiconductor production faces no major helium-driven disruption due to stockpiles, recycling, and diversification. Key Takeaway Taiwan and South Korea’s semiconductor sectors have built meaningful buffers and efficiency gains since the neon gas crisis. Natural gas power generation is manageable in the short term through continued shipments (Taiwan) and nuclear/coal (South Korea). The situation remains “controllable” per officials, but prolonged conflict or extended force majeure could raise costs and require further adjustments. $TSM $HXSCL $SSNLF $APD $LIN #Samsung #SKhynix #semiconductors #semiconductor Links: cna.com.tw/news/afe/20260… taipower.com.tw/2289/2363/2367… reuters.com/business/energ… iea.org/countries/kore… kepco.co.kr/home/customer/… enerdata.net/estore/energy-… lowcarbonpower.org/region/South_K… moea.gov.tw/MNS/populace/n… ec.ltn.com.tw/article/breaki… money.udn.com/money/story/56…

Taiwan, whose electrical grid relies on LNG for 40% of power generation, has an LNG emergency stockpile that will last around 11 days. Taiwan may be forced to ration power or reduce electricity to its industrial sector - POLITICO

EXCLUSIVE Senators call on Trump administration commerce department to suspend licenses to export Nvidia chips to China and parts of Southeast Asia after Supermicro smuggling case. ft.com/content/556e53…

U.S. officials to CBS: Iran has deployed at least 12 Maham 3 and Maham 7 naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Both are advanced sea mines equipped with magnetic and acoustic sensors and carry hundreds of pounds of explosives.

Tesla’s TeraFab has launched a talent war in Taiwan via job postings seeking senior chip experts (Process Integration Engineers) with over 10-years of experience, media report, adding its 2nm fab plan aims directly at TSMC. Chip engineers are already in short supply in Taiwan – like nearly everything chip related – and industry insiders worry the ‘Musk Halo Effect’ will draw local talent. More: Deep expertise in FinFET, GAA, BSPDN, and across all stages of chip building: FEOL, MOL and BEOL. $TSLA $TSM $UMC $ASX #semiconductors #semiconductor money.udn.com/money/story/56…

US regulator bans imports of new foreign-made routers (essentially Chinese routers), citing cyber security concerns - reuters.com/sustainability…

Mossad Telegram channel to the Iranians: “When you see missile launchers, send us a photo and we'll deal with it. You are the real heroes of this victory!” 👇

Israeli ambassador to Washington: I believe we need ground forces, but they should be Iranian, and I believe they are coming.

I would like to offer to pay the salaries of TSA personnel during this funding impasse that is negatively affecting the lives of so many Americans at airports throughout the country