Finish Iran First, Then Cuba: Trump Signals Next Target in US Foreign Policy

Washington: US President Donald Trump honored Major League Soccer (MLS) champion team Inter Miami at the White House. Football star Lionel Messi and team owner Jorge Mas were also present at the event. But amid the sports celebration, Trump's conversation suddenly turned towards global politics. He spoke openly on the ongoing military action in Iran, the situation in Cuba and America's new strategy.

What did Trump say about Cuba?

Trump told the Miami audience, "First this thing has to be finished, then you all go back to Cuba—it's just a matter of time." Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas's family is from Cuba—Trump's comment was directly addressed to him and Miami's Cuban-American community. Trump even said, “Just wait a few weeks, then we will sit together and celebrate Cuba.

Why is Cuba forced to make such a "deal"?

Trump clearly stated that America has stopped oil, money, and everything from Venezuela to Cuba. Venezuela was Cuba's only oil supplier. The effects are now visible on the streets. Airlines have cut flights to Cuba due to fuel shortages, hospitals are canceling operations, and even garbage trucks are out of service.  Trump called it a "friendly takeover"—in his words, "Cuba doesn't have any money or anything. They want to make a deal." 

How far has America progressed in Iran? What is Trump's claim?

The picture that Trump presented on the situation in Iran was quite aggressive. He said that the US and Israel together are "rapidly destroying" Iran—Iran has neither an air force nor a navy left. However these claims could not be independently verified. Citing US military actions on both Venezuela and Iran, Trump said that when America uses force, it gets results.

What deal is Iran asking for?

According to Trump, Iranian leaders are now calling and asking, "How do we make a deal?" But Trump's answer was that now the fight will continue. Although Iran's National Security Secretary Ali Larijani has clearly stated that Iran will not negotiate with the US, Tehran believes that the last ceasefire was a mistake. 

Will Cuba really be the next target?

Experts say that Trump will first adopt the path of diplomatic pressure and negotiations instead of direct military action in Cuba. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has already said, "Cuba is next." Council on Foreign Relations Analysts also say that whatever changes occur in Cuba, it is unlikely to lead to true democracy—more likely to be economic liberalization and a change in power. 

The new order of Trump's foreign policy is clear—first Iran, then Cuba. And he was telling all this at the reception of a football team.