Trump says ‘Cuba is next’ during Miami investment forum, signals possible action

MIAMI, FLORIDA: Donald Trump said, "Cuba is next," during a speech in Miami on Friday, raising questions about possible US actions on the island as he discussed recent military operations in Iran and Venezuela..

Trump made the comments at an investment forum in Florida, where he highlighted what he called successful US operations abroad.

Trump signals military strategy with ‘Cuba is next’ remark

While speaking at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute Summit at the Faena Forum in Miami Beach, Trump said that even though he campaigned on peace through strength, sometimes force is necessary.

President Trump said that "Cuba is next" while touting US military successes in Iran and Venezuela.

"And Cuba is next, by the way. But pretend I didn't say that," Trump said.

"Please, please, please media, please disregard that statement. Thank you very much, Cuba's next."

He also criticized NATO’s absence in negotiations with Iran, calling it a "tremendous mistake."

"They just weren't there," he said.

"It's going to make a lot of money for the United States because we spent hundreds of billions of dollars a year on NATO, protecting them. But now, based on their actions, I guess we don't have to be, do we?"

Trump has previously suggested that the Cuban government is under increasing pressure, pointing to the country’s economic crisis.

Cuba faces economic crisis as leaders hold talks with US

Cuba’s economy is in a very bad state, partly due to energy and oil shortages. The country has long depended on imports to keep transportation and power systems running, which makes them vulnerable.

Earlier this year, political changes in Venezuela disrupted oil shipments that had been supporting Cuba’s economy, worsening the situation.

Miguel Diaz-Canel has confirmed talks with Washington as both sides attempt to manage rising tensions.

Trump highlights US regional strategy and Strait of Hormuz tensions

Trump’s comments come as the US seeks to reshape its approach in the Western Hemisphere, focusing on regional security and influence.

The president also discussed the Strait of Hormuz, urging cooperation to reopen the critical shipping route.

"We're negotiating [with Iran] now, and it would be great if we could do something, but they have to open it up. They have to open up the Strait of Trump — I mean, Hormuz. … The fake news will say he accidentally said that. No, there's no accidents with me."

The Iranian regime has imposed multimillion-dollar charges on tankers transiting the choke point, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil supply flows.

Trump’s remark about Cuba, though partly walked back, adds to speculation over potential US policy toward the island amid economic and political pressures.