US, Israel have historic opportunity for regime change in Iran, retired general says

The United States and Israel have a historic opportunity to bring about the collapse of Iran’s current government rather than extend its life through negotiations, retired General Jack Keane told Fox News on Monday.

“In my judgment, we should do nothing to extend the life of this regime when we have an historic opportunity right now, given it's so weak and fragile, to set the conditions for a regime collapse. We have never been in this position in 46 years,” said the former vice chief of staff of the US Army and senior strategic analyst.

Iran has lied to the United States for decades and negotiating with Tehran only “throws them a lifeline,” he argued, adding that Tehran’s government is weak and fragile, making now the right moment to set conditions for its collapse.

He said that if Tehran-Washington negotiations failed to produce a substantive deal, Iran should be added to a comprehensive list of targets in a possible military operation, which he believes is likely.

Keane suggested that should Iran’s government fall and be replaced with one more aligned with US interests — citing Venezuela as a model — the region could see enduring peace and stability.

He acknowledged Iran retains some capacity for retaliation and said the United States is positioning resources in the region to protect its bases and Israel.