Trump must ‘accept reality’ on Iran deal, ex-general warns
A retired four-star general urged the U.S. to resume military operations against Iran, calling diplomatic negotiations a stalling tactic designed to delay action until midterm elections.
General Jack Keane, chairman of the Institute for the Study of War and former Army vice chief of staff, delivered a sharp assessment of eight weeks of fruitless diplomatic engagement, according to New York Post. Speaking on Fox News, he argued that Tehran’s leadership has no genuine interest in reaching an agreement.
The retired general stated that Iran’s singular objective is to drag out talks until they approach the midterm election cycle, calculating that President Trump would become less likely to authorize a return to combat operations as domestic political pressures mount. Stretch out negotiations as much as possible, Keane said of Iran’s strategy.
Keane warned that even if negotiators managed to secure a deal on paper, it would prove both worthless and dangerous. He noted that providing Tehran with economic relief would only enable the regime to systematically undo recent losses, pointing to Iran’s documented history of violating agreements.
Trump’s Military Campaign Unfinished
The general praised President Trump for being the only American leader in nearly half a century to take meaningful action against what he described as Iran’s predatory behavior. The five-week Operation Epic Fury combined with a naval blockade inflicted severe military and economic damage on the regime, but Keane emphasized the job remains incomplete.
According to Keane’s assessment, Israeli Defense Forces and US Central Command were approximately two weeks away from achieving their objectives when operations were suspended. During the subsequent eight-week pause, Iran has attempted to rebuild its capabilities, though this has also provided American forces with expanded target lists and enhanced intelligence.
Full Combat Operations Recommended
The former Army vice chief of staff rejected any consideration of limited military strikes designed merely to send diplomatic signals. He argued that Iran will retaliate regardless of the scale of American action, making a comprehensive approach the only logical choice.
Keane advocated for dismantling as much of Iran’s military infrastructure as possible, bringing the regime to the brink of collapse through combined military pressure and sustained economic sanctions.
Pentagon Sources Eye Regime Decapitation
As New York Post reports, unnamed US military sources have indicated that eliminating Iran’s most influential hardline leaders may prove necessary. These officials privately express doubt that additional conventional military strikes alone would compel the regime to change course.
The skepticism stems from the intransigent nature of hardliner politicians and the ideological rigidity of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which prioritizes loyalty to the Islamic revolution over Iranian national interests or the welfare of ordinary citizens.
Such an operation would require Israeli participation in what military planners term “decapitation strikes” against regime leadership, while American forces would concentrate on eliminating remaining weapons facilities, missile launch sites, and strategic targets along the Strait of Hormuz.
Netanyahu Backs Regime Change
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly called for regime change during a Thursday interview with CNBC, reinforcing what sources describe as quiet Israeli support for renewed combat operations.
Netanyahu acknowledged that while military operations have significantly weakened Iran’s regime and exposed growing internal fractures, the job of destroying it remains unfinished. He emphasized the need to support the Iranian people in overthrowing their government.
With information from New York Post
