Gen. Jack Keane Outlines Strict Verification and Leverage for Proposed U.S.-Iran Deal

WASHINGTON — As a tentative U.S.-Iran deal approaches its final signing, retired Gen. Jack Keane emphasizes that strict nuclear verification and sustained military leverage will be essential to ensure Tehran complies with the new agreement.

The final signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is scheduled for this Friday, at which point the President will review the actual text. According to Keane, a senior strategic analyst, the agreement achieves three immediate objectives, though significant challenges remain.

First, the deal extends the current ceasefire. However, Keane pointed out that Iran has consistently violated the existing 60-day truce by attacking U.S. bases and allied partners in the Straits of Hormuz, as well as unleashing Hezbollah to attack northern Israel. These violations have resulted in 300 wounded and some killed Israelis, and allowed hostile forces to occupy towns, villages, homes, and schools.

Second, the agreement addresses the Straits of Hormuz, prompting positive reactions from oil markets. Despite this, Keane warned that the U.S. must ensure Iran does not use subtlety or coercion to maintain control. He insisted that Tehran must make a public declaration recognizing the straits as international waters rather than territorial claims shared with Oman.

Third, the U.S. naval blockade will be removed incrementally. A shipping lane has already been opened for a couple of hundred vessels, but Iranian forces are still required to clear their mines before further lanes can be utilized.

The most challenging phase of the negotiations still lies ahead, focusing on comprehensive nuclear restrictions, ballistic missile limitations—including range, numbers, and lethality—and the cessation of support for proxy groups.

Keane dismissed any notions that Iran will act responsibly simply due to economic relief, citing their 47-year history of deception. While Tehran seeks to survive and rebuild its economy, Keane noted that the Trump administration will meter out sanction relief carefully, avoiding the massive financial windfalls seen during the Obama administration.

Because Iran’s strategic objectives ultimately involve reversing any agreements they sign, Keane stressed that enforcement and compliance are non-negotiable. While acknowledging that a diplomatic resolution gives Iran an economic lifeline—which he finds distasteful compared to other alternatives—Keane stated that if Tehran genuinely changes its behavior under strict verification, it would be a positive step.

He highlighted the administration’s recent coercive diplomacy as proof of this leverage. When Iranian negotiators delayed the MOU last week, the President ordered multiple strikes over two consecutive nights and was preparing a third wave before Tehran finally agreed to proceed. Keane confirmed that military action and financial pressure remain readily available tools.

Regarding compliance, Keane argued that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) must be granted “anytime, anywhere” inspection access, especially since informants previously revealed secret, deeply buried nuclear sites that Tehran had deceptively hidden. He rejected old protocols that allowed Iran to provide early warnings or limit inspections to just an hour or two. Furthermore, he insisted that U.S. military personnel and civilian nuclear experts must be on the ground to gather independent intelligence, rather than relying solely on a U.N. umbrella.

Ultimately, Keane distinguished the current framework from the Obama-era JCPOA, which he described as a pathway to a nuclear weapon. He noted that recent U.S. actions have resulted in the death of the Ayatollah and 40 top leaders, while severely devastating Iran’s military, ballistic missile, nuclear, and industrial capabilities. Keane urged the public to support the President’s diplomatic efforts, expressing confidence that the U.S. holds the necessary leverage to hold Iran’s feet to the fire.