U.S. Should Act Against Iran When It’s Weak, Says Keene

Retired four-star general Jack Keene believes that the United States should consider military action against Iran, especially when the regime is at its most vulnerable. He voiced concerns over Iran’s ongoing dishonesty regarding its nuclear ambitions, despite President Trump’s attempts to negotiate a new agreement.

“I think we’re approaching a point where a military option really might be the best way to go,” Keene stated on “Fox & Friends Weekend.”

He highlighted what he sees as a unique moment for President Trump—an opportunity that might not come again for any other leader—to create conditions that could lead to a regime change in Iran, potentially setting the stage for lasting peace in the Middle East and shaping the president’s legacy.

Keene acknowledged that while President Trump has often relied on diplomatic strategies, there remains a strong push for a military response. He remarked, “If a deal were to happen, the first demand from Iran would be the lifting of sanctions.”

He cautioned that even a favorable deal for the U.S. wouldn’t serve the best interests of the country, the region, or even the Iranian populace, as it would merely prolong the existence of the current regime, which he describes as being “the weakest politically, economically, and militarily” at this time.

Keene further criticized Iran for destabilizing the Middle East through proxy conflicts and suppressing its citizens. He claimed that the Iranian government continues to perpetuate a major falsehood regarding its pursuit of nuclear energy, asserting that “Iran has one nuclear power plant, and it hardly produces any of the energy required for the grid.” He dismissed their claims as misleading and ongoing lies.

His remarks came after a visit from U.S. Special Envoy for Peace Steve Witkoff and President Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The USS Abraham Lincoln was scheduled to be deployed to the Arabian Sea.

This visit follows U.S.-Iranian nuclear discussions in Oman, which included Witkoff and Kushner. Trump characterized the meeting as “very good,” suggesting that Iran appears eager to negotiate. He noted, however, that any agreement would have to result in Iran agreeing to halt its nuclear weapons program.