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The prospect of renewed conflict in the Middle East is intensifying as tensions escalate in the Strait of Hormuz, with military leaders warning that a return to sustained combat operations may be unavoidable following reported ceasefire violations by Iran.

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Fox News senior strategic analyst, retired Gen. Jack Keane, joined FOX Business’ Cheryl Casone on “Mornings with Maria” to discuss the growing risks of escalation, as U.S. forces work to maintain open shipping lanes and protect commercial vessels in one of the world’s most critical energy passageways.

U.S. Navy in transit in the Strait of Hormuz. (Zachary Pearson/U.S. Navy)

Keane pointed to recent Iranian actions, including reported attacks on U.S. and allied assets, as a turning point that could push the situation back into active conflict. Those developments come as the U.S. continues a large-scale operation to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

“There are two things that will likely force us to go back into combat operations… Fire on U.S. warships, that has happened, and also fire on our allies and partners in the region… That has happened as well,” Keane said.

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The retired general emphasized that the current U.S. posture remains defensive, focused on ensuring safe passage for vessels while countering incoming threats ranging from drones to fast boats. At the same time, he underscored that Iran, not the U.S., initiated the latest round of hostilities.

“It is Iran who broke the ceasefire by firing at the ships… firing at U.S. warships… they violated the ceasefire, and we’re completely justified in responding to that,” Keane said.

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Looking ahead, Keane warned that broader military engagement could soon follow.

“It’s inevitable that we’re going to return to combat operations here,” he said.

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The brand’s parent firm has agreed to shut the sites as part of a company voluntary arrangement process

Restaurant chain Franco Manca will push ahead with the closure of 16 venues after a restructuring plan was approved by creditors. Last month, parent firm The Fulham Shore said it planned to shut the sites as part of a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) process, which will also hit around 225 jobs.

The pizza brand currently runs 70 restaurants prior to the closures but said it has been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for restaurants. The effected restaurants were “no longer sustainable” as a result.

Franco Manca’s CVA proposal received back from more than 90 per cent of voting creditors, allowing it to get the go ahead.

Last week, Fulham Shore placed its sister restaurant brand The Real Greek into administration. It was immediately snapped up by Cote owner Karali Group but announced the close of nine of its 28 restaurants.

Marcel Khan, chief executive of Fulham Shore, said: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today. Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base.

“With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”

Paul Berkovi, managing director of Alvarez & Marsal, said: “Today’s vote saw a significant majority of the company’s creditors support the CVA, reflecting constructive engagement across stakeholders.

“Against a challenging backdrop for the sector, this is an important step for Franco Manca, enabling the business to complete its financial restructuring and secure the platform for its operational transformation.”

Full list of Franco Manca branches to close

Battersea

Bishops Stortford

Brixton

Broadway Market

Bromley

Cheltenham

Chiswick

Didsbury

Glasgow

Hove

Kilburn

Lincoln

New Oxford Street

Plymouth

Stoke Newington

Tottenham Court Road