Donald Trump Says US Could ‘Move on Cuba Immediately’ After Iran Operation, Sparks Fresh Tensions

Donald Trump Suggests Swift Move on Cuba After Iran Ops, Announces Fresh Sanctions Push

US President Donald Trump on Friday said the United States could move to “take over Cuba almost immediately” after completing military operations in Iran, remarks that come alongside a fresh escalation in sanctions against Havana.

Speaking at a private dinner in Florida, Trump outlined a hypothetical show of force involving the USS Abraham Lincoln, suggesting it could be positioned close to the Cuban coast after returning from the Iran theatre. “We’ll be taking it over almost immediately,” he said, describing a scenario in which the carrier halts offshore, prompting a rapid surrender.

The comments followed a new executive order expanding US sanctions across major sectors of the Cuban economy, including energy, defence, mining, finance and security. The measures also target foreign entities and individuals dealing with sanctioned Cuban organisations.

Washington said the move is part of its broader “maximum pressure” strategy aimed at forcing political and economic reforms in Cuba, which is facing a severe economic crisis amid supply disruptions and longstanding trade restrictions.

Cuba has rejected the latest measures, with Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla calling them coercive and in violation of international law, and warning they would further harm ordinary citizens.