Retired Gen. Jack Keane urged the United States to take direct control of negotiations with Iran to ensure compliance and security [1].
This call for a shift in strategy comes as diplomatic efforts continue in Doha, Qatar [1]. The approach suggests a move away from indirect mediation toward a more assertive U.S. posture to prevent the Iranian regime from bypassing international restrictions.
Keane said the U.S. must adopt a clear-eyed perspective when dealing with the regime [2]. He said the current framework is insufficient because past inspection mechanisms have proven ineffective [2]. According to Keane, the nature of the Iranian government requires a level of scrutiny and pressure that cannot be delegated to third parties [3].
"We have to take control of this ourselves," Keane said [1].
He said the U.S. cannot afford to be naive about the intentions of its counterparts. He said the U.S. must remember always who it is dealing with [3]. This necessity for vigilance, he said, is the only way to secure a verifiable agreement that protects regional, and global interests.
Keane called for increased pressure on Iran and more rigorous verification processes to replace failed systems [2]. He said that without direct U.S. oversight, the risk of deception remains high—a risk that could undermine the stability of the negotiations taking place in Qatar [1].
“"We have to take control of this ourselves."”
The push for direct U.S. control reflects a broader debate over whether multilateral diplomacy or unilateral pressure is more effective in curbing Iran's nuclear and regional ambitions. By advocating for a 'clear-eyed' approach and stronger verification, Keane is signaling that trust-based diplomacy is viewed by some military leaders as a strategic liability.
