Core Points - The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control announced sanctions against a shipping network controlled by Iranian businessman Mohammad Hossein Shahriari, involving over 50 entities and individuals, as well as more than 50 oil tankers and container ships [1] - This is the largest scale of sanctions implemented since the U.S. government's "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran began in 2018 [1] - The shipping network is responsible for transporting Iranian and Russian oil, oil derivatives, and other goods worldwide [1] Sanctions Details - The U.S. State Department also announced sanctions against 20 entities involved in the trade and transportation of Iranian oil and petrochemical products, and froze assets of 10 ships [1] - The sanctions are part of a broader context following the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal in May 2018, which led to the reimposition of various sanctions against Iran [1] Negotiation Context - Since April, there have been five rounds of indirect negotiations between the U.S. and Iran regarding the nuclear issue and the lifting of sanctions [1] - The sixth round of negotiations, originally scheduled for June 15, was canceled due to an Israeli attack on Iran [1] - During the military conflict between Israel and Iran, the U.S. conducted airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities [1]

Core Viewpoint - Iran is set to resume negotiations regarding the nuclear agreement with the UK, France, and Germany in Istanbul, following the recent conflict in the region, indicating a strategic timing for diplomatic engagement [1] Group 1 - The negotiations are taking place on the 25th of the month, highlighting a renewed focus on the nuclear issue [1] - The choice to engage first with the three European countries suggests a calculated diplomatic strategy by Iran [1] - Iran is demonstrating its willingness to negotiate while also emphasizing its principled stance in the discussions [1]

Group 1 - Gold futures are currently trading around 781.50, with a reported price of 781.48 yuan per gram, reflecting a decline of 1.25% [1] - The highest price reached was 791.22 yuan per gram, while the lowest was 781.26 yuan per gram, indicating a bearish short-term trend for gold futures [1] Group 2 - Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharib Abadi emphasized the importance of the upcoming meeting with the three European countries, stating that they should not negotiate their positions with the United States [3] - The meeting scheduled for July 25 in Istanbul will focus on Iran's nuclear issues, with Gharib Abadi asserting that European nations must pursue an independent policy [3] - Gharib Abadi warned that if the three European countries decide to reinstate sanctions against Iran, Tehran will respond decisively, indicating that they lack the authority to activate the "snapback sanctions mechanism" established by the UN Security Council [3] - He also mentioned that Iran might consider withdrawing from the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) if sanctions are reinstated, although specific countermeasures are still under careful consideration [3] Group 3 - Key resistance levels for gold futures are identified between 794 yuan per gram and 840 yuan per gram, while important support levels are between 771 yuan per gram and 820 yuan per gram [4]

Group 1: Gaza Conflict - The Israeli military has issued evacuation warnings and is set to launch a ground offensive in central Gaza, specifically in Deir al-Balah [1] - The Israeli military claims to have killed a Hamas weapons development official [1] - The ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict has resulted in 58,895 deaths in the Gaza Strip [1] - The number of Palestinians killed by Israeli shelling while waiting for aid trucks in northern Gaza has risen to 67 [1] - The Israeli Defense Ministry has signed a 500 million shekel (approximately 150 million USD) agreement to procure hundreds of light vehicles for the Israeli Defense Forces' ground troops [1] Group 2: Other Regional Developments - Iran has agreed to hold a new round of negotiations with three European countries on July 25 [2] - A joint naval exercise between Iran and Russia is scheduled to take place in the Caspian Sea on the 21st [2] - Putin met with a senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader to discuss the Iran nuclear issue [2] - The Israeli Prime Minister's office announced that Netanyahu has been diagnosed with intestinal inflammation and will manage affairs from home for the next three days [2] - According to AXIOS, dissatisfaction is rising within Trump's team following Israeli airstrikes in Syria, with claims that Netanyahu is acting irrationally [2]

Core Points - The recent conflict between Israel and Iran, referred to as the "Twelve-Day War," has drawn significant global attention, resulting in thousands of casualties on both sides [1][2][11] - Following the ceasefire, Iran has begun reconstruction efforts to assist those who lost their homes during the Israeli airstrikes, although the nuclear issue remains unresolved and tensions could reignite [2][11] Group 1: Conflict Overview - The conflict lasted from June 13 to June 24, 2023, with Iran reporting over 1,060 deaths and Israel reporting 28 [1][11] - The Israeli military targeted numerous sites related to Iran's nuclear program, leading to significant casualties among Iranian officials and scientists [5][17] Group 2: Aftermath and Reconstruction - Iran has initiated rebuilding efforts, with the government prioritizing housing assistance for those affected by the conflict [11][12] - Reports indicate that over 3,500 homes were destroyed, including 332 in Tehran, necessitating urgent reconstruction measures [11][12] Group 3: Security and Intelligence Issues - Iran's intelligence vulnerabilities were highlighted, with over 700 individuals arrested for espionage during the conflict [6][7] - The Iranian government has intensified its efforts to identify and apprehend spies, reflecting ongoing security concerns [6][7] Group 4: Public Sentiment and Economic Impact - Despite the apparent return to normalcy in Tehran, residents express lingering anxiety and fear of future conflicts, impacting daily life and business operations [12][15] - The emotional toll of the conflict has led to increased anxiety among the population, complicating the recovery process [12][15] Group 5: International Relations and Nuclear Concerns - The conflict has exacerbated tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear program, with ongoing debates about the implications of recent military actions on Iran's nuclear capabilities [17][18] - The future of negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program remains uncertain, with potential for renewed conflict if diplomatic efforts fail [20]

Core Viewpoint - The United States and its allies have reached a consensus that if no agreement is made regarding the Iranian nuclear issue by the end of August, Iran will face severe sanctions [1] Group 1 - The deadline for reaching an agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue is set for the end of August [1] - The potential consequences for Iran include severe sanctions if an agreement is not achieved [1]

Group 1 - The core discussion involved U.S. Secretary of State Rubio and foreign ministers from France, Germany, and the UK, focusing on promoting stability in the Middle East and ensuring Iran does not develop or acquire nuclear weapons [1] - The conversation also touched upon the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, with Rubio emphasizing that resolving the dispute through sustained negotiations remains a top priority for President Trump [1]

Group 1 - The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Baghaei, stated that there are still opportunities for peace negotiations between Iran and the U.S., with efforts being made through secret channels to restart diplomatic solutions [1][3] - Baghaei emphasized that if the U.S. genuinely seeks peace, it must demonstrate sincerity and that diplomacy should not be misused as a tool for deception or psychological warfare [3] - Concerns among Iranian citizens about potential Israeli airstrikes were noted, with Baghaei asserting that Iran would respond to any attacks from Israel [3] Group 2 - Since April, there have been five rounds of indirect negotiations regarding the Iranian nuclear issue, with the sixth round scheduled for June 15 in Muscat, Oman, but was canceled due to a large-scale Israeli airstrike on Iran [3][4] - Following the Israeli attack, Iran retaliated, and on June 22, U.S. forces bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities, leading to a ceasefire on June 24 [3] - U.S. President Trump indicated on June 25 that talks would occur within a week, hinting at a possible easing of sanctions, but no public diplomatic contact has taken place since then [4]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the current state of US-Iran nuclear negotiations, highlighting the challenges and complexities arising from recent events, including Israeli attacks on Iran and the lack of trust between the parties involved [1][12]. Summary by Sections Progress in Negotiations - The first five rounds of indirect talks between the US and Iran resulted in four key agreements: 1. Iran agreed to implement the highest level of transparency and verification mechanisms for its nuclear facilities [2]. 2. Iran consented to dilute or transfer 400 kilograms of enriched uranium to prevent the possibility of building nuclear weapons [2]. 3. Iran will reduce the enrichment level of uranium to below 5% for civilian reserves, alleviating concerns about its potential to enrich uranium to weapon-grade levels [2]. 4. Iran will cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to resolve remaining technical issues [2]. Challenges in Negotiations - The negotiations face significant hurdles due to differing perceptions of sanctions relief. The US insists on Iran taking specific actions first, while Iran views phased sanctions relief as a prerequisite for negotiations [6]. - The core conflict lies in the US's belief that Iran's nuclear program aims to develop weapons, while Iran maintains that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes [7]. Impact of Regional Dynamics - The article notes the cyclical nature of the conflict, where Iran's nuclear development prompts Israeli military actions, leading to further negotiations and escalations [5]. - The Israeli policy of "nuclear ambiguity" complicates the situation, as Iran perceives attacks from a nation that does not openly acknowledge its nuclear arsenal as unjustifiable [6]. Potential Withdrawal from NPT - Following recent conflicts, Iran is considering drafting a bill to withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which could lead to severe diplomatic and security challenges for Iran [8][9]. - The article emphasizes that while there are calls within Iran to exit the NPT, such a move would be detrimental to its international standing and security [9]. US Domestic Perspectives - There is a notable preference among the American public for diplomatic solutions over military action regarding Iran's nuclear program, with a majority opposing military strikes [11]. - The article highlights internal divisions within the US government regarding the approach to Iran, with some advocating for military action while others support diplomatic engagement [10]. Future of Negotiations - The article concludes that the path to resuming negotiations is fraught with difficulties, particularly due to Iran's low trust in the US following military actions and the need for assurances against further attacks during negotiations [12]. - Despite the challenges, there remains hope for a peaceful resolution, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic efforts to stabilize the situation in the Middle East [12].

Report Industry Investment Ratings - Crude oil: ★★★, indicating a clearer long - term trend and relatively appropriate investment opportunities currently [1] - Fuel oil: ★★★, suggesting a clearer long - term trend and relatively appropriate investment opportunities currently [1] - Low - sulfur fuel oil: ★★★, showing a clearer long - term trend and relatively appropriate investment opportunities currently [1] - Asphalt: ★★★, meaning a clearer long - term trend and relatively appropriate investment opportunities currently [1] - Liquefied petroleum gas: ★☆☆, representing a bullish/bearish bias with a driving force for price increase/decrease, but poor operability on the trading floor [1] Core Views - The geopolitical risk around the Iranian nuclear issue has heated up again, and the risk of trade war has weakened. The theme of loose supply - demand for crude oil continues, and the supply - demand guidance is still negative [2] - Oil prices led the rise of oil product futures, and fuel - related futures closed slightly higher. High - sulfur fuel oil has weak demand and a weakening crack spread, while low - sulfur fuel oil has limited supply pressure but lacks demand drivers and shows a volatile trend [3] - From January to July, the cumulative output of domestic refinery asphalt is expected to increase by 7% year - on - year, and the cumulative shipment volume has increased by 8%. The demand in South China is expected to increase further after "ending the plum rain season", and the third quarter is a key window for demand recovery. The price is expected to fluctuate [4] - The July CP has been significantly reduced, the international market supply is abundant, and the domestic supply is loose. The futures price shows a weakening and volatile trend [5] Summaries by Categories Crude Oil - Overnight international oil prices rose, with the SC08 contract up 1.56%. The geopolitical risk around the Iranian nuclear issue has heated up again, and the risk of trade war has weakened [2] - The supply - demand theme of crude oil remains loose. Last week, the US EIA crude oil inventory increased by 3.845 million barrels more than expected, and the gasoline apparent demand was lower than expected. The global oil inventory accumulation trend cannot be reversed by the peak - season factor under the expected rapid production increase of OPEC+ [2] Fuel Oil & Low - Sulfur Fuel Oil - Oil prices led the rise of oil product futures, and fuel - related futures closed slightly higher [3] - High - sulfur fuel oil has low demand for ship bunkering and deep - processing. The demand boost from power generation in the Middle East and North Africa in summer is discounted due to the high crack spread valuation. After the short - term boost of oil prices by good news, the crack spread of high - sulfur fuel oil has weakened [3] - Low - sulfur fuel oil has limited short - term supply pressure due to the solid - flow effect, but lacks demand drivers and shows a volatile trend [3] Asphalt - From January to July, the cumulative output of domestic refinery asphalt is expected to increase by 7% year - on - year, and the cumulative shipment volume of 54 sample refineries has increased by 8% year - on - year [4] - The demand in South China is expected to increase further after "ending the plum rain season" in early July. The third quarter is a key window for demand recovery [4] - The latest inventory data shows a slight inventory increase of 0.7 million tons, and the price is expected to fluctuate [4] Liquefied Petroleum Gas - The July CP has been significantly reduced, the international market supply is abundant, and the US propane inventory is rising rapidly, putting pressure on international prices [5] - Affected by refinery operations, the external sales volume of domestic gas continued to increase last week, strengthening the loose domestic supply situation [5] - After the rapid disappearance of the premium from political risk and the driving force of crude oil, attention should be paid to the recovery rhythm of overseas exports, and the futures price shows a weakening and volatile trend [5]