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According to a video posted on Fox News, on Saturday June 20, 2026, retired General Jack Keane said President Trump will turn to full military operations against Iran if the current diplomatic effort does not succeed.
Keane made the comment while discussing what could happen if talks between Washington and Tehran break down.
Keane told Fox News the United States is currently in a diplomatic phase, shifting focus from military pressure to economic and political goals.
He explained this decision was driven by concern over global oil and gas prices, especially the risk that Iran could close the Strait of Hormuz and strike energy targets, which advisers feared could lead to a serious economic downturn.
In his words, Jack Keane said, “if this diplomatic phase doesn’t work out, President Trump has two years left. I guarantee you he’s not going to turn over an Iranian mess to his successor that was handed to him by President Biden.
He won’t do that. He will clean this up. If that means full military operations to bring these guys down once and for all, that is what he will do,” he said.
Keane said this reflects a pattern already shown through Operation Midnight Hammer, which he described as prohttps://youtu.be/OWVFxSZtqn4
of the president is willing to use military force against Iran.
He said this sets Trump apart from earlier presidents, who relied mainly on negotiation even after attacks linked to Iran.
The general said Iran believes it holds leverage through its ability to threaten the Strait of Hormuz, and will likely continue using that threat if talks stall.
He said the administration is sincere about pursuing a deal first, but stressed that military action remains on the table.
