They are counting chickens before they hatch, so to speak, maybe due to political pressure associated with CHIPS act passage. Congress is likely asking for positive press from the passage of that act.

However, 18A is part of Intel’s “5N4Y” roadmap, which is a very blatant “we’re trying to catch up to the leaders” announcement and may or may not pan out.

Because of the uncertainty, the design house of Intel should be diversifying their manufacturing supply chain (and they are) by designing for processors which would be produced outside of Intel.

IOW, yes, I believe CEO is being Baghdad Bob in order to keep his CHIPS act money from Congress.