US President Donald Trump suggests Cuba could be next for US military action, following operations in Venezuela and Iran, while talks with Havana continue.
MIAMI: US President Donald Trump suggested Cuba could be next for US military action. He made the remark while touting American military successes in Venezuela and Iran.
“I built this great military. I said, ‘You’ll never have to use it.’ But sometimes you have to use it. And Cuba is next by the way,” Trump told an investment forum on Friday. He then added, “But pretend I didn’t say that. Pretend I didn’t.”
The president did not specify any precise plans for the island nation. He has frequently stated his belief that Havana’s government is on the verge of collapse amid a severe economic crisis.
His administration has opened negotiations with elements of Cuba’s leadership in recent weeks. Trump himself has previously hinted that kinetic action could be possible.
Earlier in March, Trump said Cuba may be subject to a “friendly takeover”. He then added, “It may not be a friendly takeover.”
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has acknowledged the country is in talks with the US. The aim is to avert a potential military confrontation.
Cuba’s economy has been battered by major disruptions in oil imports. The nation relies on this oil to run power plants and transportation.
Venezuela had provided much of Cuba’s oil needs prior to January. A US operation then captured now-deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
Caracas’ new government, under pressure from Washington, has since ended those shipments.