Gaza Board declares historic deal as Iran war escalates past ceasefire

Iran Peace Deal Analysis for July 31, 2026

The last 24 hours brought contradictory signals. The Gaza Board of Peace and Trump announced a "historic" disarmament agreement involving Hamas. Mediators continue shuttle diplomacy around the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran expired on July 30. Iran launched multiple missile attacks on American forces. The US retaliated with heavy strikes. The war is now expanding again.

Control of the Strait of Hormuz remains the last major sticking point. Iran rejected an Omani proposal for shared management and demanded more control. Negotiations continue with Saudi Arabia and Oman as intermediaries. Trump called the talks "good," but no breakthrough has materialized. Both sides are still talking, though momentum has slowed. Iran's President Pezeshkian told citizens to "stand firm" against the enemy, a statement that hardens his domestic position.

What ended the brief pause was simple: neither side trusted the other enough to extend it. The US accused Iran of trying to derail talks. Iran launched missiles. The Senate again rejected efforts to limit Trump's war powers, leaving the president full authority to escalate. Most Americans say the war is not worth fighting, according to AP-NORC polling. But public opinion has not yet moved Trump or Iran's leadership toward compromise.

The next critical moment is whether Iran and mediators can restart talks on the Hormuz issue within days. Another wave of strikes from either side would close the ceasefire window entirely.