Retired General Jack Keane Accuses Regional Partners of Favoring Iran

Retired Army General Jack Keane accused Pakistan and Qatar of acting as compromised mediators in peace talks between the United States and Iran. Keane alleged that both nations favor Tehran over U.S. interests and further claimed that Saudi Arabia discouraged President Donald Trump from pursuing major military operations against Iran. According to Keane, Saudi Arabia also denied U.S. access to its airspace and bases during preparations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

These assertions contrast with public statements from the White House, which defended its regional partners and maintained that the president has strong relationships with leaders from all three countries. President Donald Trump has previously praised the efforts of Pakistan to advance negotiations.

Diplomatic efforts continue under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Mediators are currently drafting a second memorandum specifically targeting the Strait of Hormuz. This strategy aims to decouple the immediate maritime crisis from the broader, long-term disputes regarding Iranian nuclear activities.