Trump Signals Cuba Could Be Next Target After Iran

 

U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that Cuba could become the next focus of his administration’s foreign policy pressure after the ongoing tensions involving Iran.

Speaking a day after a nationwide 24-hour strike disrupted parts of Cuba, Trump said political change on the island could happen sooner or later. He indicated that his administration believes Cuba’s leadership may eventually agree to negotiations with Washington.

Trump made the remarks during a public appearance alongside several players from Inter Miami CF, including football stars Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. Addressing Cuban-American businessman Jorge Mas, one of the club’s owners, Trump said they would soon celebrate “what happens in Cuba.”

“It will be an incredible day,” Mas reportedly responded.

In a separate interview with CNN, Trump said he believes the Cuban government could collapse in the near future. He also suggested that Washington might send U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to the island to see what developments might unfold.

Although Trump noted that his administration is currently focused on Iran, he emphasized that there is “plenty of time” to deal with Cuba, referring to decades of tensions between the two countries.

Economic pressure growing

The comments come at a time when Cuba is facing serious economic challenges. After the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro earlier this year, Cuba reportedly lost a major source of crude oil supplies that had supported its energy sector.

For years, Venezuela had provided oil to Cuba under preferential agreements. Without those shipments, the island has struggled to maintain fuel supplies and electricity production.

Countries that previously helped supply energy to Cuba, including Mexico, have reportedly been unable to fully compensate for the loss of Venezuelan oil.

Fuel shortages affecting daily life

As a result, fuel shortages are becoming increasingly visible across the island. Public services have been disrupted, and in some cities waste collection has slowed due to a lack of fuel for government vehicles.

In several areas, garbage has accumulated on streets, raising concerns about public health risks. Some residents have resorted to burning waste at night, creating heavy smoke in urban neighborhoods.

Even in wealthier parts of Havana, Cuba’s capital, households have reportedly begun cooking with firewood during periods when gas supplies are unavailable.

The shortage of fuel is also affecting electricity generation. Many of Cuba’s power plants rely on crude oil to produce electricity, and limited supplies have made it difficult to maintain consistent energy production.

Debate over U.S. strategy

Officials in the Trump administration, including Trump and Rubio, have repeatedly suggested that now is not the time to reduce pressure on Cuba. Instead, they argue that stronger economic pressure could push the country toward negotiations with Washington.

Critics, however, warn that such policies could have serious consequences for ordinary Cuban citizens rather than the country’s leadership. Some analysts question whether the strategy is intended to encourage political unrest within the island.

Meanwhile, the Cuban government has not confirmed reports that negotiations are taking place with the Trump administration.

According to reports, Cuba’s internal security and intelligence operations are overseen by Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, a relative of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro, who is the younger brother of revolutionary figure Fidel Castro.

Limited reforms introduced

Facing growing economic pressure, the Cuban government has introduced limited reforms allowing private businesses to import fuel needed for their operations. However, analysts say these measures may not be enough to resolve the country’s broader energy crisis.

As tensions continue between Washington and Havana, Trump’s comments suggest that Cuba could become a major focus of U.S. policy once the current conflict involving Iran begins to ease.