Trump: “Cuba is next”… Signals possibility of 'use of force' after Iran

Korea Economic Daily

Summary

U.S. President Donald Trump said in a speech at an investment forum that “Cuba is next,” signaling the possibility of military action.
Trump said the Cuban regime is on the verge of collapse due to severe economic hardship, and mentioned the possibility of a “friendly takeover” or an “unfriendly takeover.”
With Venezuela halting oil supplies to Cuba under pressure from Washington, the Cuban economy is taking a major hit.

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U.S. President Donald Trump on the 27th (local time) warned that “Cuba is next,” hinting at the possibility of military action.

According to Reuters, speaking at an investment forum in Miami, Florida, Trump touted the U.S. military’s operational achievements against Venezuela and Iran, then said, “I built this great military. I said we would never have to use it, but sometimes you have to. And Cuba is next.” He added, “Please pretend I didn’t say that.” The remarks are seen as an attempt to deliver a warning while avoiding locking it in as an official statement.

Trump has repeatedly said the Cuban regime is on the verge of collapse amid severe economic hardship. Earlier this month, he also said of Cuba that “there could be a friendly takeover,” before adding that “it could be an unfriendly takeover.”

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel publicly acknowledged that he is in negotiations with the United States to avoid a military clash.

Cuba’s economy is being hit hard by disruptions to oil imports essential for power generation and transportation operations. Venezuela had supplied most of Cuba’s crude needs, but after former President Nicolás Maduro was ousted in January in a U.S. military capture operation, the new government that took office has halted oil shipments to Cuba under pressure from Washington.

Yonghyun Shin, Hankyung.com reporter yonghyun@hankyung.com