Jack Keane: This was a DECISIVE blow (Retired Army General on Iran)

Fox News ^ | February 1, 2026 | Emily Compagno)

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Transcript Summary

The transcript is from a Fox News interview (likely on "Saturday in America" or similar, hosted by Emily Compagno) with retired Gen. Jack Keane, Fox News senior strategic analyst.

Key points:

• A senior Gulf official stated Saudi Arabia would not permit the U.S. to use its airspace or bases for an attack on Iran.

• President Trump indicated the U.S. cannot share military plans with Gulf allies during ongoing negotiations with Iran, as leaks could undermine talks.

• Keane argues public statements from Arab allies (e.g., on airspace) differ from private actions; take them with skepticism.

• He criticizes past U.S. presidents (across administrations) for inaction against Iran's regime since 1979, allowing it to grow stronger via proxies, regional destabilization, and nuclear pursuits. He singles out Obama and Biden for appeasement.

• Keane praises Trump's actions: killing Qasem Soleimani and (with Israel) a "12-day war" that delivered a decisive blow to Iran's near-nuclear capability.

• He says negotiations made sense years ago (with strict terms: zero uranium enrichment, limited missiles, no proxy support), but now a deal would extend the regime's life, provide a lifeline, and betray protesters (tens of thousands reportedly killed).

• Current moment is historically significant: Iran's regime is at its weakest politically, economically, and militarily. A military strike could deepen internal divisions, target leaders/repressors, devastate oil exports (reliant on China), and destroy ballistic/short-range missiles threatening Israel/U.S. bases.

• U.S. military buildup in the region serves dual purposes: robust defense against expected retaliation (air/missile defenses) and enhanced offensive capability (not a full ground invasion like past wars).

• Keane dismisses fears of a broad regional or global war, calling the regime a "shadow" of its former self despite bluster; U.S./intelligence focus on real capabilities.

• He views this as a paradigm shift and major strategic opportunity for Trump to potentially collapse the regime and reshape the Middle East for decades, trusting Trump's judgment to seize it.

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TOPICS: Foreign Affairs
KEYWORDS: iran; military

[MotorCityBuck]

FOX and Keane waving their WAR FLAG for death and views.
Again. As always.

Trust in Trump and Hegseth.

Not the Fools and purveyors of Death and Clicks. The time will come. When it’s right.🇺🇸👍

[bosco24]

The headline states- This was a DECISIVE blow.

Reading the key points you listed, I don’t see a DECISIVE blow.

What was the DECISIVE blow and who took the blow?

[Jeff Chandler]

Echoes of Bill Clinton.

[MotorCityBuck]

The Decisive BLOW was Hannity.😂

Or is it Bombshell!!!

[McGruff]

I can’t stand this guy. When he’s on FNC I switch channels. What a war monger.

[Old Retired Army Guy]

I hope, he is right. I am a longtime Trump supporter, but if he negotiates some kind of deal with Iran that leaves the current regime in power, he will lose me. Together with Israel, they need to eliminate the current Iran regime by first destroying their Ballistic and Short-Range Missile Capability followed by destruction of the IRGC and the Leadership of the Government. Worrying about who would follow in a new Government should be a secondary issue.

[Old Retired Army Guy]

Mc Gruff needs to watch CNN instead of FNC. FNC Watchers’ love Keane.

[Rummyfan]

What was the decisive blow?!

[Neanderthal]

"I can’t stand this guy. When he’s on FNC I switch channels. What a war monger."

***************************************************

Agree. He is almost always full of crap.

[shelterguy]

“”””Trust in Trump and Hegseth.””””

Trump has been consistent for many years. when someone asks what his plans for military action are he says.......I WILL NEVER TELL YOU UNTIL IT IS OVER. Not like the bumbling fool
W Bush who told Iraq he would schedule a bombing so they would have a chance to hide and dispose of WMD.

[willk]

“The Decisive BLOW was Hannity.😂

Or is it Bombshell!!!”

No, it was Hillary’s dirty dossier.

[al baby]

The State of our Union is STRONG !!!!

[HKMk23]

5th bullet point:

“...Trump’s actions: killing Qasem Soleimani and (with Israel) a “12-day war” that delivered a decisive blow to Iran’s near-nuclear capability.”

[MotorCityBuck]

The 90’s called.
They want there CD player back.
There are Fools, and Old Fools.

[MotorCityBuck]

You got that right.🤪

[cmj328]

Under the current Iranian regime:

• Abortion - BANNED
• Homosexuality - BANNED
• Transgender - BANNED
• Pornography - BANNED
• Public immodesty - BANNED
• Christianity - tolerated, growing
• Contraception - discouraged

Why do I want to replace this regime with something else?

[Miles the Slasher]

The only real possibility of something good happening is if there is a group of Iranian regular army generals who will lead their troops against the regime with the support of the US naval and air forces. If there is no such alliance, then any action will probably be an exercise in futility.

[faithhopecharity]

agree fully

[Robert DeLong]

Yep, post #14 has the correct andswer:

Keane praises Trump's actions: killing Qasem Soleimani and (with Israel) a "12-day war" that delivered a decisive blow to Iran's near-nuclear capability.