Even as US military struggles against Iran in Middle East, Donald Trump sets sights on neighbours

Washington: While the U.S. managed to subdue Venezuela in an operation lasting just a few hours, Iran has become a bone stuck in its throat. Nevertheless, Donald Trump has set his sights on a new target. Trump has begun ramping up his rhetoric against Cuba, and it is widely believed that the U.S. could launch its next offensive against the island nation. He has characterized the country as a "failed state." Trump stated that the U.S. is already engaged in discussions with Cuba and may soon take further action.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Donald Trump remarked, "The U.S. believes that Cuba is eager to reach an agreement." He also signaled that these negotiations could either result in a settlement or compel Washington to take alternative measures. However, he also clarified that—prior to taking any major steps regarding Cuba—his absolute top priority remains the ongoing confrontation with Iran.

Is Cuba Donald Trump's Next Target After Iran?

Trump's threat comes at a time when Cuba is already grappling with a severe economic and energy crisis. Tensions with the United States have only exacerbated this crisis further. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has confirmed that talks with the U.S. are indeed underway. He expressed hope that these negotiations could help de-escalate tensions between the two nations while simultaneously safeguarding the country's sovereignty. However, Washington has signaled that any improvement in bilateral relations would be contingent upon significant political and economic reforms taking place within Cuba.

This implies that should the negotiations fail, Donald Trump could authorize military action against Cuba. Yet, questions are being raised: given that the U.S. is already deeply entangled in the Middle East, how did Cuba suddenly come into its crosshairs? In reality, tensions between the two nations have persisted for decades, and Donald Trump is seeking to reassert American hegemony over its immediate neighbors. In countries like Cuba, Russia and China have exerted deep influence for decades—a situation that has increasingly come to be viewed as a threat to the United States.

Why Might Donald Trump Make Cuba His Next Target?

One reason Cuba is back in the spotlight is that it has been on Donald Trump's radar even before the focus shifted to a potential conflict with Iran. Although tensions may be escalating with Iran, U.S. officials continue to intensify pressure on this island nation.
The Donald Trump administration has reinstated Cuba to the U.S. list of "State Sponsors of Terrorism." This designation has resulted in the imposition of severe economic sanctions on Cuba, making it extremely difficult for the country to access international funding.
The U.S. has further tightened restrictions on trade, travel, and financial transactions involving Cuba, thereby pushing the Cuban economy into even greater isolation.

Trump's objective is to ramp up pressure on Cuba's communist government, aiming to force it to reach an accommodation with the United States and sever its close ties with China. Cuba is currently grappling with severe shortages of fuel, food, and electricity, and is in no position to withstand the mounting U.S. pressure.

How Severe Is the Economic Crisis in Cuba?

Cuba is currently facing one of its worst economic crises in decades. The country is running critically low on fuel, and the population is frustrated by widespread power outages. People are also contending with a food crisis. Furthermore, due to U.S. sanctions, Cuba is unable to sell its oil, causing its situation to spiral from bad to worse. These circumstances have thrown daily life across the country into chaos. The deteriorating conditions have sparked protests in various locations and fueled growing public anger, thereby placing immense additional pressure on the government of Miguel Díaz-Canel.

What Is Donald Trump's Likely Strategy Regarding Cuba?

Trump is exerting pressure on communist governments across the globe. Cuba has historically been both a persistent headache and a sensitive issue for the United States. For a long time, Cuba has maintained close ties with governments that have stood in opposition to the U.S.—most notably Venezuela. For decades, Havana and Caracas have vehemently opposed U.S. policies in the region and have consistently provided one another with diplomatic support.

Due to these alliances—and Cuba's adherence to its leftist ideology—policymakers in Washington often view the island nation as a key pillar of the anti-American bloc within Latin America. Consequently, the mounting pressure on Cuba is perceived as a strategic means to undermine that network and to reassert U.S. influence closer to home.

What has been the nature of Cuba's relations with China and Russia?

U.S. officials have alleged that Cuba is permitting foreign intelligence agencies—specifically those linked to nations such as Russia and China—to operate from within its territory, thereby posing a threat to U.S. national security. The United States has long been known for its willingness to take any necessary measure to safeguard its national security interests. Washington has further asserted that the Cuban government maintains ties with various groups and governments deemed hostile to U.S. interests.

U.S. intelligence reports (covering the 2025–26 period) claim that China has expanded its electronic espionage facility in Cuba. From this location, China monitors the radio frequencies and satellite communications of U.S. military bases located in the southeastern United States.

It has the capability to track communications. There is immense anger within the Trump administration regarding this matter.
In October 2025, Russia's parliament approved a new defense cooperation agreement with Cuba. Under this agreement, Russian experts were authorized to modernize Cuba's military infrastructure—effectively signifying the presence of Russian military officials within Cuba.

To help shield Cuba from an energy crisis, China is making massive investments in the country's renewable energy sector. China has pledged to construct over 90 solar parks in Cuba by 2026. The United States views this as a threat to its own interests.
China has also provided Cuba with $80 million in emergency financial assistance. In return, the involvement of Chinese companies has intensified in strategic sectors within Cuba, such as the Port of Mariel. This development has sent U.S. anger soaring to new heights.

For years, Cuba stood at the very epicenter of the Cold War between the United States and the former Soviet Union. Indeed, who could ever forget the Cuban Missile Crisis? Following the Cuban Revolution of 1959—led by Fidel Castro—the island nation shifted into the Soviet Union's sphere of influence. Prior to the revolution, however, Cuba had maintained close political and economic ties with Washington. Yet, shortly after Castro rose to power, U.S.-owned businesses within the country were nationalized. In retaliation, the United States imposed economic sanctions and diplomatically isolated Cuba; it was at this juncture that the foundation for the enduring animosity between the United States and Cuba was laid. Previously, the Soviet Union (and subsequently Russia) was the sole major player in this arena; now, however, China has emerged as a formidable power in its own right.