IRAN SHOWDOWN: Gen. Jack Keane Warns Tehran May Ramp Up Aggression As Midterms Near

Retired Gen. Jack Keane warned that Iran could escalate its aggression as the United States heads toward November midterm elections, suggesting Tehran may calculate that President Donald Trump would avoid major military action before Election Day. Speaking on Fox News' "Special Report" On Wednesday, Keane, a Fox News senior strategic analyst, said he believes Iranian leadership may view the upcoming elections as a chance to increase pressure on Washington. "My gut feel is that they're likely going to get more aggressive," Keane said, contending that Tehran may believe Trump would be hesitant to respond with military force before the midterms. Keane cautioned that Iran has repeatedly underestimated Trump and noted the United States currently maintains significant military capabilities in the region, with Trump retaining the ability to authorize overwhelming military action if Tehran crosses a line.

The warning emerges amid renewed tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and uncertainty regarding the U.S.-Iran interim agreement. Trump has stated that the United States has "total control" Over the strategically vital waterway, while commercial shipping through the strait has experienced sharp disruptions. A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Wednesday that Tehran and Washington are not discussing an extension of the interim agreement, contradicting reports that the arrangement had been prolonged. Iran maintains that Washington must return to the terms of the June agreement before negotiations can resume.

The June agreement extended a ceasefire for 60 days while both sides pursued broader negotiations, with expiration set for mid-August. As the negotiating period nears its end with no announced breakthrough, the coming days could prove critical in determining whether the standoff intensifies.