Jack Keane, a retired U.S. Army general, said economic pressure and a maritime blockade so far have not forced the Islamic Republic to accept an agreement, and Washington must find another way to stop the Iranian government. He warned that Tehran believes time is on its side and that it can withstand the current pressures.

Speaking to Fox News, Keane said the United States and Israel stopped the war against the Islamic Republic before fully achieving their goals, and, according to him, about two more weeks of operations were needed to complete these objectives. He described the goals of the war as weakening the Islamic Republic’s military capability, its nuclear, missile, and drone programs, and shifting the regional balance in favor of the United States and Israel.

According to the retired general, the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz and its economic consequences were among the factors that led to the halt of operations and the start of negotiations, but the Islamic Republic did not adhere to its commitments after the initial agreement. Keane added that despite the intensification of the maritime blockade and economic pressures, it is still unclear whether these policies will force Tehran to accept an agreement or retreat.