US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Washington would turn its attention to Cuba after concluding its military campaign against Iran, suggesting American warships could approach the Caribbean island before Secretary of State Marco Rubio moves to finalise an agreement.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Fort Myers, Florida, Trump outlined his plans for dealing with Cuba, signalling that the communist-ruled nation could become Washington’s next major foreign policy priority.
“We’ll take care of Cuba on our way back from Iran,” Trump told supporters, adding that Rubio would be sent to finalise a deal.
Trump suggested that US naval vessels returning from the Middle East could stop near Cuba’s coastline, describing a scenario in which an American warship would approach within roughly 50 yards of the island.
The remarks come amid escalating political and economic tensions between Washington and Havana, with the Trump administration intensifying pressure on Cuba’s communist government.
Trump has previously called for fundamental political changes in Cuba and predicted that the country’s communist leadership would eventually collapse.
However, he indicated last month that Washington could reach an agreement with Havana without resorting to military intervention.
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated further as US sanctions and restrictions on oil supplies deepen Cuba’s economic crisis.
The island has experienced severe fuel shortages and prolonged electricity blackouts, placing additional pressure on its struggling economy and infrastructure.
Despite the tensions, diplomatic contacts between Washington and Havana have continued.
Cuban diplomat Lianys Torres Rivera told Reuters on October 5 that communication between the two governments remained open through meetings, telephone calls and written exchanges, although these contacts had not developed into formal negotiations.
Cuba has also accused Washington of pressuring other countries to oppose a United Nations resolution calling for an end to the decades-old US economic embargo.
The UN General Assembly is expected to consider the resolution on October 27 and 28.
