Trump's Stark Warning: 'Cuba is Next' After US Actions in Venezuela and Iran
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Seoul, March 28 (NationPress) President Donald Trump issued a warning, stating, "Cuba is next", in the wake of US military actions against Venezuela and Iran.
"Cuba is next, by the way, but please act as if I didn't mention that. Disregard that statement, media, please. Thank you very much. Cuba's next," Trump remarked during the Future Investment Initiative conference held in Miami, Florida, on Friday (local time).
His comments followed the US military's raid in Venezuela, which led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 3, as well as the large-scale coordinated operations with Israel targeting Iran that began on February 28, according to reports from Xinhua news agency.
Cuba has been grappling with a profound economic and energy crisis, exacerbated by decades of US sanctions. The United Nations reports that fuel shortages are driving the nation towards a humanitarian catastrophe.
Earlier this month, Trump had warned that Cuba is likely to "fall pretty soon", while asserting that his administration's focus is currently on Iran.
In addition, Trump strongly criticized NATO, labeling it a “paper tiger” and questioning whether the US should continue its commitment to defend allies that he claimed failed to support America in critical times.
During his speech at the Future Investment Initiative Priority Summit in Miami, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with NATO's lack of backing for the US when it was crucial. “NATO is a paper tiger,” he stated, adding, “They didn’t come to our aid.”
In unusually candid remarks, Trump suggested a reevaluation of US commitments to NATO. “Why would we be there for them if they’re not there for us?” he questioned, describing NATO’s response as a “tremendous mistake.”
Trump also recounted discussions with prominent European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, mentioning that offers of support only arrived after military actions were completed. “As soon as the war is over, we will send ships,” he quoted Macron, adding, “I don’t want them when the war is over.”