Retired General Jack Keane stated on Sunday that the United States must prevent Iran from maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz. In an interview on Fox News’s "Sunday Morning Futures" with Cheryl Casone, Keane emphasized that any major Iranian attack could trigger a return to large-scale combat operations.
Keane explained that Iran aims to control the strait by regulating when and where ships can pass and demanding payments as a form of insurance. He warned that further Iranian attacks on shipping vessels not complying with Iran’s military rules could lead to limited U.S. strikes or full-scale combat operations, driven by frustration over Iran’s unwillingness to reach a consequential deal meeting the objectives of the Trump administration.
The U.S. and Iran have engaged in negotiations toward a final peace agreement, including a memorandum of understanding (MOU) focused on resuming ship passage through the strait. However, Iran has attacked vessels in the area, prompting retaliatory U.S. strikes. The most recent escalation concluded with both sides agreeing to stand down and resume talks.
Iran’s joint military command has issued warnings of a "forceful response" against oil tankers that do not follow approved routes through the strait. Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command highlighted a recent meeting with regional military officials reaffirming their commitment to the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.
Keane also noted that President Trump is "not reluctant to use military force to put Iran back to the negotiating table," but he suspects Iran will continue violating the agreement’s terms, likely leading to renewed conflict.
Additionally, Mojtaba Khamenei, son and successor of Iran’s supreme leader, has not been publicly seen since the war began and is reportedly injured from initial strikes in February.
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