Retired U.S. Army Gen. Jack Keane stated on Monday, September 21, 2026, that a return to U.S. combat operations against Iran is "inevitable." Speaking on Fox Business, Keane attributed this assessment to the Iranian regime's belief that it can outlast U.S. pressure due to the upcoming November midterm elections and domestic factors like rising oil prices. The statement comes as the conflict approaches its seven-month mark following initial strikes launched in February.
The regional conflict intensified earlier in September 2026 when military strikes resumed after a six-week pause. Iran has recently targeted oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and American regional bases, while the Pentagon has responded with a naval blockade on Iranian oil exports and strikes on military targets. On Tuesday, September 22, President Donald Trump addressed the United Nations General Assembly, stating he faces a "big decision" on whether to reach a deal with Iran or to "annihilate" the Islamic Republic.
Keane argued that the Iranian regime’s support for regional proxies—including the Houthis in Yemen, Hamas in Gaza, and Hezbollah in Lebanon—will only fade if the U.S. targets Iran directly. He advocated for a combination of naval blockades, economic pressure from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and significant joint combat operations by the U.S. and Israel. Keane suggested such actions are necessary to set the conditions for the Iranian regime's collapse.
The prospect of expanded combat operations affects active-duty U.S. military personnel stationed at regional bases and U.S. Navy sailors enforcing the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. In Israel, the conflict is an issue for voters as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks reelection in October. Domestically, U.S. households are experiencing the economic consequences of the naval tensions; according to AAA, the national average for regular gasoline reached $4.48 per gallon and diesel reached $6.53 per gallon on Tuesday.
The scale of the economic impact is tied to the effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for energy exports. The disruption has contributed to a spike in global oil prices, which General Keane noted is being viewed by Iranian leadership as a potential domestic liability for the Trump administration ahead of the November midterm elections. While the U.S. has authorized visas for an Iranian delegation to attend the U.N. General Assembly, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated the president is "open" to a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, military preparations continue.
President Trump suggested that a final decision or potential deal regarding Iran may not be reached until after the November midterm elections. In the interim, the U.S. military remains engaged in efforts to prevent Iranian forces from placing mines in shipping corridors. On the ground in Yemen, Tehran-backed Houthi forces are moving to seize the Yemeni highlands. A specific date for a decision on further strikes or a diplomatic meeting has not been reported.