Jack Keane doubts Pakistan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia's reliability in US-Iran negotiations

Retired Army General Jack Keane told one outlet that Pakistan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia cannot be trusted as mediators in the United States’ negotiations with Iran, alleging they are “compromised” because they favor Tehran and shift the burden of confronting Iran onto the US and Israel. Keane’s remarks clash with President Donald Trump’s recent commendations of Islamabad and Doha for their contributions to the talks and a White House spokesperson’s defense of the partners.

He also claimed Saudi Arabia denied US access to its airspace and persuaded Trump against major military action, suggesting Riyadh prefers the US and Israel bear any sacrifice. Regional commentators disputed Keane’s assessment, arguing that Pakistan’s geographic ties and Qatar’s diplomatic channels do not equate to bias, while a Saudi analyst said Riyadh seeks deterrence but avoids an open-ended war. Mediators are drafting a second memorandum focused on the Strait of Hormuz, separating maritime issues from broader nuclear talks, with Oman, Pakistan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia involved. Keane remains skeptical that Iran will relinquish control of the Hormuz waterway or reach a substantive nuclear agreement.