adminRetired Gen. Jack Keane delivered a blunt wake-up call on Life, Liberty & Levin, telling Americans what too many in Washington refuse to admit: the Iranian leadership is arrogant and immune to blandishments from diplomats. He said the recent diplomatic push simply “does not seem to work” with a regime that lies and cheats when it suits their strategic aims.
Keane warned that even if Tehran signs another paper agreement, history shows they will not comply, and that illusionary deals only buy them time to reconstitute their capabilities. He argued forcefully that deterrence, not empty promises, is the language authoritarian regimes understand.
This is exactly why conservatives have long opposed appeasement: concessions invite aggression. Keane and other patriotic voices note that Iranian negotiators have been belligerent and arrogant throughout talks, making clear that weakness in Washington is treated as opportunity in Tehran.
The former general laid out practical next objectives that any serious policy must include — degrade Iran’s missile and drone capabilities, disrupt its regional proxy networks, and hold regime leaders accountable for their actions. Those are not reckless boasts; they are measured, achievable goals that protect American interests and our allies.
Meanwhile, the current diplomatic posture from parts of the foreign-policy establishment smells dangerously like the same old playbook of delay and denial. Keane’s message to Washington was simple: stop negotiating from a position of weakness and start imposing real, sustained costs on those who threaten America and our partners.
Patriotic Americans should demand policies that defend liberty rather than appease tyranny — Congress must fund deterrence, the military must be prepared to act decisively, and our leaders must stop treating Tehran with kid gloves. If we love peace, we must first prepare for victory; anything less is a betrayal of the brave and hardworking citizens we serve.
