Compromised mediators: Former US general slams Pak, Qatar over Iran talks

New Delhi,UPDATED: Aug 4, 2026 11:24 IST

A retired US general and defence analyst who supports President Donald Trump has accused Pakistan and Qatar of being "compromised" in their roles as mediators between Washington and Tehran, alleging that both countries favour Iran over the United States.

Retired General Jack Keane told Fox News that the selection of Pakistan and Qatar as mediators had affected US diplomacy with Iran and contributed to a misunderstanding of Tehran's intentions.

Keane's comments come after Trump decided to pause plans for a major military strike on Iran in an attempt to revive diplomatic efforts with Tehran.

Keane serves as Chairman of the Institute for the Study of War, is a member of the Secretary of Defense Policy Board, has advised four US Defence Secretaries, and has served on the 2018 and 2022 Congressional Commission on the Defence Strategy.

"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 favour Iran at the expense of the United States. This is historical; this is not new. And yet they're the mediators. So their influence here, I think, has played a part in misleading the United States in terms of Iran's real intentions," Keane was quoted as saying.

The retired general also slammed Saudi Arabia's approach, alleging that Riyadh had repeatedly advised Washington against launching military action against Iran. According to Keane, Saudi Arabia refused the US access to its airbases and airspace and argued that such an operation would not succeed.

He further claimed that Saudi Arabia had consistently encouraged the United States to pursue negotiations with Iran instead of military action.

"The Saudis are not willing to sacrifice to rid the Middle East region of Iran's aggression. That's the absolute fact that we're seeing playing out here," Keane was quoted as saying.

Keane also alleged that Saudi Arabia was unwilling to risk casualties or damage to its oil infrastructure while expecting the United States and Israel to shoulder the burden of confronting Iran.

"They're willing for us to make that sacrifice, for sure. They're willing for Israel to make that sacrifice, for sure," he said.

His remarks came as Trump described his latest offer of talks as Iran's "last chance" after shelving what he called a major attack on the country.

“I want to give them every last chance before decapitation,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “You’ll find out today or tomorrow. I mean, they’re going to go quickly, one way or the other. It’s not very complex.”

Meanwhile, Iran denied that it was negotiating with the United States, but said discussions with Oman aimed at facilitating more shipping through the Strait of Hormuz were making progress.

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