Retired U.S. Army General and Fox News senior strategic analyst Jack Keane has said ongoing U.S. military operations are significantly weakening Iran’s ability to influence events in the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that the campaign is steadily stripping Tehran of its capacity to disrupt one of the world’s most important maritime routes.
Speaking during an interview FROM 5:18 on Fox News on Friday, July 17, 2026, Keane outlined what he described as a multi-phase strategy aimed at neutralizing Iran’s military capabilities and securing freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway.
According to Keane, the operation has focused on destroying Iranian missiles, drones, fast attack boats, radar systems, command-and-control infrastructure, and logistics networks that could be used to threaten commercial shipping. He also said efforts have expanded to isolate the strait by targeting transport infrastructure, including bridges and rail lines that support military operations in the area.
The retired general added that U.S. forces are simultaneously working to degrade Iran’s ability to retaliate by locating and destroying ballistic missile launchers, transporters, and long-range drones before they can be deployed.
Keane argued that these operations are steadily reducing Iran’s military leverage and limiting its options to challenge U.S. and allied forces in the region.
Highlighting his assessment of the campaign’s progress, Keane said, “They are going to lose complete control of the Strait of Hormuz, and we are going to reduce their capability to interfere to a bare minimum. That is the path we are on.”
He further suggested that the military campaign could expand beyond its current scope, arguing that President Donald Trump has concluded negotiations with Iran are no longer a viable option and is likely to continue applying military pressure in pursuit of broader strategic objectives….See More