Retired General Jack Keene has emphasized that Iran’s leadership should take President Donald Trump’s statements seriously. He insists that the regime’s ongoing violence against its citizens remains a significant concern, particularly as the U.S. continues to move military resources closer to the region.
Keene dismissed suggestions that the Trump administration might be softening its approach toward Iran or attempting to mislead them. He believes the president has been explicit about his intentions, stating, “I believe the president at his word, and he’s going to hold his administration accountable for what it did,” during a recent discussion on Sunday Briefing.
Meanwhile, the Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency estimates that over 3,000 individuals have been killed amid the extended unrest, although some reports suggest even higher fatalities, with thousands more detained.
Keene expressed concern that the administration’s approach might not be adequately addressing the Iranian crisis. He remarked that Iran’s “bloodbath” appears far from over, and that the U.S. should take the leadership’s threats seriously.
He noted that Khamenei has allegedly recruited militias from various countries to help maintain order amid the protests, indicating a more violent response to dissent. Keene pointed out that Trump has refrained from immediate action as the U.S. seeks to safeguard its assets while gauging potential Iranian retaliation. He highlighted that both U.S. military bases and Israeli targets could be at risk.
“Perhaps what that means,” he speculated, “is that we will expand our targeting to ballistic missiles, which poses risks to us as well as to the Israelis. We must ensure all necessary assets are prepared.” He reiterated that Trump’s stance should not be underestimated and confirmed, “That threat is still on the table.”
