“Cuba Is Next”: Trump Drops Bombshell as War Tensions Spread

U.S. President Donald Trump has again escalated rhetoric beyond the ongoing war with Iran, suggesting that Cuba could become Washington’s next target. Speaking at the White House, he hinted at future action once the current conflict concludes. “We may stop by Cuba after we’re finished with this,” he said, referring to the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran that began on February 28. He also repeated his characterization of Cuba as a “failing nation,” echoing earlier remarks in which he predicted the island would “fall pretty soon,” though he stressed that the administration’s immediate focus remains on Iran. At a recent investment forum in Florida, he went further, saying: “Cuba is next, by the way, but pretend I didn’t say that.”

The backdrop to these statements is a deepening crisis on the island, which has been compounded by U.S. actions in the region. Following the January 3 operation in Venezuela, where U.S. forces detained President Nicolás Maduro, Cuba’s already fragile energy situation deteriorated sharply. The disruption of oil flows from Venezuela, and subsequently from Mexico, has intensified shortages and economic strain.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has responded with open defiance, placing responsibility for the country’s hardships squarely on Washington. In an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” his first on American television, he said he remains open to dialogue “without conditions,” but firmly rejected any suggestion of stepping down under external pressure. While acknowledging that the U.S. has not formally demanded his resignation, he made clear that such a move would not be accepted. “We’ll defend ourselves, and if we need to die, we’ll die,” he said, adding that Cubans are prepared to “give our lives for the revolution.”

His comments underline a broader standoff, as the United States continues what Cuban officials describe as a de facto energy blockade, restricting oil shipments to the island. Although a Russian tanker was recently allowed through, offering temporary relief, the overall situation remains critical for the population.

The tensions mirror Washington’s recent approach in Venezuela, where a rapid operation removed Maduro and led to a leadership shift under Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who subsequently moved toward cooperation with the United States. That outcome appears to have influenced expectations in Washington. However, Cuba presents a different challenge. Its leadership is widely seen as more consolidated, with the long-dominant Castro family maintaining significant influence behind the scenes. Members of the family have reportedly taken on roles in negotiations and economic reform efforts aimed at stabilizing the country.

During the interview, Díaz-Canel drew clear boundaries regarding Cuba’s political system. He ruled out any changes to the current structure of governance and dismissed the possibility of introducing multiparty elections. He also declined to commit to releasing around 1,200 political prisoners, including activist musician Maykel Castillo, known as Osorbo, who remains in detention.