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More than three weeks after the signing of the "Memorandum of Understanding" to start the ceasefire process, the escalation of the US-Iran conflict highlights the dilemma facing Trump: how to promote a comprehensive peace agreement and find a way to exit the war with dignity. Analysts say Trump's options are very limited, and most of them are not ideal. If the retaliatory strikes between the two sides further escalate and evolve into a large-scale military conflict, it may trigger a full-scale war again. Although Trump said on Wednesday that the latest situation would be "over soon," global oil prices have risen about 7% due to tensions. However, If Trump chooses to back down in the face of Iran's tough response, it may strengthen Iran's judgment that it can use the Strait of Hormuz to exert influence on the international community when necessary. Trump may hope that by bombing Iran, he will force it to return to the negotiating table to negotiate the future direction of Iran's nuclear program, but most experts believe that there are currently few signs that Iran will make the major concessions that Trump is demanding. "Trump has pushed himself into a difficult situation." Aaron David Miller, a former Middle East negotiator for the Democratic and Republican administrations in the United States, said, "Whether through military means or diplomacy, he is unlikely to gain much from Iran."(From analyst Matt Spetalnick's July 9 article)

U.S. Central Command: The U.S. military remains vigilant, highly combat-effective, and ready to carry out combat missions assigned by the Commander-in-Chief.

U.S. Central Command: On July 7, U.S. Central Command forces attacked about 80 Iranian military targets, including more than 60 small ships of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, to punish Iran for violating the ceasefire agreement and attacking three commercial ships sailing in the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. Central Command: This attack follows a successful offensive strike against Iran the night before.

U.S. Central Command: On July 8, U.S. Central Command forces completed another round of strikes against Iran to further weaken Iran’s ability to attack merchant ships and innocent civilian sailors in the Strait of Hormuz.

Spokesperson of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Those parties that provide territory, bases and infrastructure in Europe to US-Israeli military operations cannot escape their complicity responsibility and its consequences.

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson: NATO Secretary-General Rutte has repeatedly admitted that European countries participated in military aggression against Iran, which once again confirms that Europe is not neutral in this war.

Hong Kong technology and Internet stocks partially fell, with Bilibili (09626.HK) down 4%, Kuaishou (01024.HK) down 3%, Baidu (09888.HK) down 1.8%, and Meituan (03690.HK) down 1.4%.

According to AXIOS: A US official revealed that the duration and severity of the new round of US actions completely depend on Tehran’s next move. The current escalation could last a day or two, or it could last a week or a month, depending on whether Iran continues its attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian Revolutionary Guards: Our fighters will not turn a blind eye to the aggression of the US military.

Iranian Revolutionary Guards: If the United States launches another attack, our response will be extended to other American bases in the region.

Japan's 20-year government bond yield rose 1.5 basis points to 3.885%.

The Southbound Information Technology ETF investment rose more than 5%.

According to Fox News: Following the earlier US air strikes, Iran once again launched missiles and drone attacks on countries in the Gulf region.

Qalibaf, Iran's chief negotiator: The United States has not yet realized that bullying and breaking commitments are by no means without cost. I want to make it clear that if you take action first, you will be counterattacked.

According to multiple people familiar with the matter, Meta Platforms is testing a prototype of AI glasses called "Super Sensing". The device will use cameras and audio recording functions to capture every moment of the wearer, marking Meta's further entry into the controversial "all-seeing, all-hearing" smart device market. People familiar with the matter said the product is capable of continuously recording audio and taking photos every few seconds. Users can then use AI to query information they have seen or heard, and even recall what they experienced that day. but, The glasses have also sparked discussions within Meta about how to handle new privacy challenges. Currently, when the AI ​​smart glasses launched by Meta are taking photos or videos, an LED indicator light in the corner of the frame will light up. But according to multiple people familiar with the matter, Meta executives currently plan to turn off the LED reminder light when the "Super Sense" function is enabled. However, several people said that plan could still change. People familiar with the matter said Meta may also add these "super-sensing" features to existing smart glasses products through software updates. (Financial Times)

Iran's chief negotiator Ribaf: The Strait of Hormuz will only be opened if Iran makes arrangements, not because of U.S. threats.

Japan's 40-year government bond yield rose 5 basis points to 4.055%.

Japan's 30-year government bond yield rose 3.0 basis points to 4.030%.

Mitsubishi UFJ: The Thai baht is particularly vulnerable to rising oil prices and rising U.S. Treasury yields. This is partly due to the baht's relatively low carry characteristics.