Gen. Keane: Trump Running Out of Patience with Iran, Urges Finishing the Job

Retired Gen. Jack Keane stated that President Donald Trump has told the Iranians that time has run out and has convened a meeting in the Situation Room for tomorrow. Senator Lindsey Graham echoed the sentiment, saying it is time to finish the job.

In comments on the situation, Gen. Keane encouraged further reduction of Iran’s military capability. “There are still targets that could weaken them more militarily,” he said. “I’m calling to hurt this regime. Hurt them more. Maybe they will make a deal if you hurt them enough.”

Keane argued that Iran is playing games and trying to wait the U.S. out. “I think their objective has been to get the ceasefire to stop the war on the promise of a deal… to drag it out as much as possible to put as much political economic pressure on the President,” he explained. He expressed doubt that Iran has ever been serious about reaching a substantive deal, believing instead they aim to force a premature declaration of victory.

The President has shown “enormous patience,” Keane noted, with nearly six weeks having passed under the ceasefire. During this period, U.S. intelligence has improved and forces are “flush with munitions” to accomplish the mission. He pointed out that the campaign had about two weeks remaining when operations stopped.

Keane outlined key objectives for renewed action: reducing Iran’s weapons capabilities, including nuclear ones, kinetically; addressing their support for proxy forces; targeting organizations that sustain the regime, such as the IRGC; and striking revenue sources. He specifically mentioned maintaining the blockade of Kharg Island to halt exports and taking down other industrial capabilities moved by road or other means.

The goal, according to Keane, is to place the Iranian regime “in the position militarily and economically to collapse.” He added that efforts involving the CIA and Mossad should continue to undermine the regime and assist internal resistance.

When asked if action is imminent, Keane replied that he has no specific timing but believes it is “nearer rather than later,” describing the upcoming Situation Room meeting as “pretty pivotal.”

On China’s role, Keane referenced statements from Jamison Greer. Greer noted that President Trump secured a commitment from China not to provide material support to Iran, a point the Chinese confirmed due to their interest in keeping the Straits of Hormuz open. Keane expressed skepticism about full compliance, citing past unfulfilled Chinese commitments on trade deals, but hoped they would abide this time. He stated China ultimately wants a negotiated settlement that allows the Iranian regime to survive, including potential release of frozen assets and sanctions relief to finance recovery and maintain its foothold in the Middle East.

Keane concluded that the United States will go back and finish the job.