Retired Gen. Jack Keane has publicly questioned whether Pakistan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia can be trusted as mediators in negotiations with Iran. During a Monday appearance on Fox News’ "America’s Newsroom," Keane, a senior strategic analyst for Fox News and former Army vice chief of staff, accused Pakistan and Qatar of being "compromised" mediators who favor Iran over the United States.

"It is well known in the Middle East region, by our intelligence services, by all the players, that the Pakistanis and the Qataris are compromised because they favor Iran at the expense of the United States," Keane said.

Keane also sharply criticized Saudi Arabia, alleging that Riyadh denied the U.S. access to Saudi airspace and a U.S. air base during preparations for a possible operation to forcibly reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite Keane's criticisms, President Donald Trump has expressed respect for Pakistan, stating in an April 26 phone interview with Fox News that Pakistani officials had "been terrific" and "really tried" to advance negotiations with Iran. Trump also credited Pakistan and Qatar on June 18 for helping advance talks that produced the U.S.–Iran memorandum of understanding. A joint statement on June 22 from the two countries confirmed they were mediating talks between the United States and Iran under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

Richard Goldberg, a senior adviser at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and former National Security Council official, noted that Washington continues to rely on Saudi infrastructure despite ongoing disagreements over military strategy.

Keane warned that the influence of these regional partners may have misled the United States regarding Iran’s true intentions, emphasizing that if Iran fails to reach a good deal with the U.S., the blame will rest with the Iranian regime.

Sources