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Trump Says "Cuba's Next" Amid Iran Strikes, Rubio Calls It a Disaster

US President Donald Trump suggested Cuba is "next" following US strikes on Iran, though he quipped "pretend I didn't say that." Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Cuba a "disaster," blaming its failing economic system for fuel shortages. The World Health Organization's Director-General warned Cuba's health services are at risk due to geopolitics and energy blockades. Meanwhile, a humanitarian aid flotilla has arrived in Havana to support the island amid a worsening US energy blockade.

Key Points: Trump: "Cuba's Next" After Iran Strikes | US Policy Shift

  • Trump hints Cuba is next US focus
  • Rubio blames Cuba's economic system
  • WHO warns health crisis from blockade
  • Humanitarian aid flotilla arrives
  • US seeks regime change in Cuba
2 min read

"Cuba's next," Trump says amid Iran strikes

US President Trump hints Cuba is next target after Iran strikes, as aid flotilla arrives amid energy blockade and health crisis warnings from WHO.

"And Cuba's next, by the way. But pretend I didn't say that. - Donald Trump"

Washington DC, March 28

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that Cuba was 'next'.

Trump, while delivering remarks at the Future Investment Initiative, gave remarks on Cuba after he was talking about US strikes on Iran.

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

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Cuba was a disaster because its economic system does not work.

"The reason why Cuba doesn't have oil or fuel is because they want it for free. Cuba is a disaster because their economic system doesn't work," Rubio had said.

Earlier on March 26, Director-General of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on Thursday said that health should be protected at all costs and never be at the mercy of geopolitics, energy blockades and power outages with respect to Cuba.

Ghebreyesus said that the situation in Cuba is deeply concerning as the country struggles to maintain health service delivery.

"Health should be protected at all costs and never be at the mercies of geopolitics, energy blockades and power outages. The situation in Cuba is deeply concerning as the country struggles to maintain health service delivery at a time of immense turbulence, leading to energy shortages that have been affecting health."

The first boat in a humanitarian aid flotilla has arrived in Cuba to support the island amid a worsening US energy blockade that is deepening its economic and energy crises, as per Al Jazeera.

A boat carrying about 30 people, including food, medicine, solar panels, and bicycles, arrived in Havana, the capital city, on Tuesday, part of the "Nuestra America" or "Our America" convoy that set out from Mexico last week, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The convoy comes as US President Donald Trump and his allies continue to express their desire for regime change in Cuba, using greater energy restrictions to further degrade the Cuban economy. Trump has stated that he could "take" Cuba and select a government more amenable to US demands.

The vessel on Tuesday -- called the "Granma 2.0" in reference to the boat that ferried Cuban revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro to the island as part of an effort to overthrow the regime of US-backed strongman Fulgencio Batista -- departed from Puerto Progreso, in Merida, Mexico, last week. Two other vessels are also en route, as reported by Al Jazeera.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The humanitarian flotilla is a heartwarming gesture. It reminds me of how India has often stood with nations during crises, like sending vaccines during COVID. Blockades that affect common people's health and electricity are just cruel, no matter the politics.
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Rohit P
Trump's "Cuba's next" comment is so casual, like it's a game. Countries aren't checkboxes on a list. This kind of rhetoric creates global instability, which impacts economies everywhere, including ours. We need stable global partners for trade and growth.
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Sarah B
While I understand the criticism of Cuba's economic model from the US perspective, the approach matters. A full blockade that cripples healthcare is counterproductive and inhumane. There has to be a better way to encourage change without punishing ordinary citizens.
V
Vikram M
The symbolism of the "Granma 2.0" is powerful. It shows people's resistance. India has always believed in sovereignty and non-interference. Big powers should not decide the fate of smaller nations. Let Cuba solve its own issues.
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Karthik V
Honestly, reading about the solar panels and bicycles in the aid convoy is the real story. That's practical help. Instead of just tightening blockades, the international community should focus on supporting sustainable solutions for countries in crisis. Well done to that convoy.

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