⚠️Breaking: Iranian armed forces: “A devastating retaliatory strike”! The U.S. State Department issues a global security alert! U.S. media: The Pentagon is accelerating the deployment of F-16 and F-35 jets to the Middle East! Major schedule next week

Hello everyone, with the situation in the Middle East escalating, let’s take a look at the latest updates.

Iranian Armed Forces: “A devastating retaliatory strike” against U.S. barbaric acts

According to China Central Television News, on the 19th, the Iranian side said that Ali Abdolrahasi, commander of the Hatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters of Iran’s armed forces, issued a statement saying that Iran’s armed forces will deliver a devastating retaliatory strike against any “barbaric acts” by the United States.

Abdolrahasi warned the United States that any greedy, bullying, and barbaric acts will be met with Iran’s armed forces with a “firm and devastating response.”

Missile attack on Qeshm Island, Iran

According to China Central Television News, on the 19th, Iran’s southern Qeshm Island was hit at multiple locations by missile strikes that day. It is understood that at around 3:38 a.m. local time, explosions were heard from multiple areas on Qeshm Island. Local residents said, “3 to 5 missiles hit Qeshm Island.” As of now, no reports have been received of civilian casualties or damage to infrastructure. Earlier that day, the Iranian side said that several explosions were heard near Abbas Port and Qeshm Island.

U.S. State Department advises U.S. citizens worldwide to stay vigilant

According to Xinhua News Agency, on the 18th, the U.S. State Department published a global security reminder on its official website, advising U.S. citizens around the world to increase vigilance. The reminder said that, due to the intensifying tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex, with the possibility of an unexpected escalation. U.S. citizens around the world—especially those in the Middle East—should remain vigilant and monitor news to understand the latest developments. The reminder also said that U.S. citizens overseas should follow the guidance in security advisories issued by the nearest U.S. embassies and consulates. Flight cancellations and phased airspace closures may disrupt travel. “Including U.S. diplomatic institutions in regions beyond the Middle East have become targets of attacks. Groups supporting Iran may attack U.S. interests overseas, relevant U.S. venues worldwide, or U.S. citizens.

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U.S. media reveals: U.S.-Iran conflict escalates, the Pentagon steps up deployments of F-16 and F-35 jets to the Middle East

According to the Global Times, citing reports from the website of U.S. Air Force magazine “Air & Space Forces” and the “Wall Street Journal,” both local time on the 17th, citing sources with knowledge of the matter, as the conflict between the United States and Iran intensifies, the Pentagon is accelerating the deployment of fighter jets to the Middle East, including the U.S. Air Force’s F-16 “Fighting Falcon” and F-35 “Lightning II” stealth fighters.

The report said the fighters being deployed to the Middle East include: F-16 jets from the U.S. Air Force’s 480th Fighter Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, and F-35 jets from the U.S. Air Force’s 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath in the UK.

Major agenda next week

On monetary policy, the European Central Bank’s interest rate decision is the biggest macro anchor next week. The market broadly expects the ECB to hold steady, and investors should watch for the latest remarks by ECB President Lagarde on the inflation path.

With the earnings season in full swing, the technology and new energy sectors will face performance verification. Four U.S. stock market giants—Google, Tesla, Intel, and IBM—will集中披露 their earnings reports, and demand for AI computing power, progress in autonomous driving, and the recovery of traditional chips will all be comprehensively tested. CATL’s earnings report will be the key directional indicator for China’s domestic new energy industry chain.

AI-industry catalysts are being rolled out in clusters. The “Advancing AI” conference by AMD will be held, and a speech by AMD Chairman and CEO Lisa Su is expected to bring new products and updates to the roadmap. DeepSeek V4’s official version is set to be released; with the conclusion of WAIC, China’s AI narrative may enter a new round of resonance. In addition, the International Low-Altitude Economy Expo will be held in Shanghai—after the low-altitude economy was included in the “15th Five-Year Plan,” and once the newly revised Civil Aviation Law takes effect on July 1, this will be the first large-scale exhibition for the industry.

Major domestic meetings are expected to be held in late July. Andy Burnham will officially be sworn in as the UK prime minister on July 20, marking the seventh prime minister since the UK’s 2016 Brexit referendum. On the same day, Spain and Argentina will play the World Cup final in New Jersey to decide the 2026 World Cup champion. South Korea will release export data for the first 20 days prior to July on July 21, providing an early signal for judging the global semiconductor and trade outlook.