Trump threatens Cuba could be next target after Iran war, prompting Cuban defense warnings

President Trump escalated threats against Cuba during a Fox News interview, stating his administration could focus on the island nation after the war in Iran ends. The comments prompted Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel to warn that Cuba would be ready to defend itself against a possible U.S. attack. Multiple sources reported the Pentagon is stepping up contingency planning for potential military action in Cuba. Trump's rhetoric follows previous attacks on Venezuela and Iran, marking a significant escalation in U.S.-Cuba tensions not seen since the Cold War. A White House official dismissed Cuba's leadership as weakening, while Cuba maintains it does not seek conflict but is prepared to fight if necessary. The threat represents a dramatic shift in U.S. policy toward Latin America and raised concerns among international observers about potential military overreach.

"We may stop by Cuba after we finish with this" — Statement made during Fox News interview discussing the ongoing Iran conflict and future foreign policy priorities