Iran in July 2026: the most important developments in politics
In July 2026 Iran's politics were dominated by the end of the ceasefire with the United States. Indirect talks in Doha on July 1 and 2 ended with both sides agreeing to continue. On July 8 President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire over, called the memorandum of understanding a waste of time, and US strikes resumed the next day. Trump said on July 10 that strikes were paused for talks, which Iran denied requesting. On July 13 he announced a 20% toll on cargo through the Strait of Hormuz and told Congress the war had resumed. On July 18, after a seventh night of US strikes, Iran suspended its commitments under the interim agreement. Mediators proposed a 10-day ceasefire on July 20 and 21, and Iran rejected a US ceasefire proposal on July 24. The US paused strikes around July 26, and Trump spoke of good talks, which Iran's foreign ministry denied. After a missile strike on US forces in Jordan on July 29, Trump vowed to hit Iran hard. On July 30 the Revolutionary Guards said the strait would stay closed, and Pakistan was mediating.
The funeral of Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated, began on July 3 and lasted six days. Leaders from Pakistan, Armenia and other countries attended, and 13 countries reportedly stayed away. Mojtaba Khamenei did not attend, was not seen in public, and vowed revenge. Iran announced plans for legal action against Israel and the United States over the killing. Reports described a rift between civilian and military leaders, and 180 lawmakers called for ending the memorandum.
On the strait, Iran and Oman held talks. Oman proposed voluntary fees on July 28, with Gulf states' backing, and on July 29 Iran rejected joint management, saying Hormuz belongs to Iran.
In Washington, the House voted on July 23 to restrict Trump's war powers, while the Senate did not advance a similar measure. House Speaker Mike Johnson told Trump to wrap it up. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Trump on July 28 and 29 and said Israel would not strike Iran without a US request. Iran also protested a Ukrainian strike on an Iranian cargo ship in the Caspian Sea.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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