Trump Threatens Cuba With Warship ‘Stopover’, Warns Iran of Fresh Strikes

US President Donald Trump has threatened Cuba with a possible American naval deployment near its coast and warned Iran of further military action if it fails to reach an agreement with Washington.

Speaking at a midterm election campaign rally in Florida on Friday, Trump suggested that US warships returning from the Middle East could stop near Cuba before Secretary of State Marco Rubio intervened.

“We’re gonna come back from Iran; those beautiful ships will pass Cuba. We’ll have one of them stop about 50 yards off the coast. They’ll raise up their hands, and then we’re gonna send Marco Rubio in to finish up the job,” Trump said, according to ANI.

His remarks did not include an operational timetable or details of a proposed deployment.

CUBA REJECTS THREAT

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez rejected Trump’s comments, warning against any hostile action towards the island.

“We reject every threat related to US ambitions toward Cuba,” Rodríguez wrote on X.

“Our coastline is full of beautiful beaches, but there are also razor-sharp limestone spikes, an inhospitable environment for those who make it to our shores with hostile purposes and lust for domination.”

The exchange comes as Washington increases economic pressure on Havana through sanctions targeting state enterprises and military-linked entities.

In September, the US State Department announced sanctions against 11 Cuban entities and officials, including four state-run nickel enterprises, four military enterprises and three senior military officials. Washington accused Cuba’s leadership of diverting resources towards a privileged military elite while ordinary citizens faced shortages.

RUBIO URGES CIA COOPERATION

Separately, Rubio appealed to Cubans seeking political change to establish a discreet relationship with the Central Intelligence Agency.

“To those who seek to create positive change in Cuba—now is the time,” he wrote on X.

“The disappointment of failed promises, corruption, and the privileged lives of only a few; seize this opportunity to create the change you desire through a discreet partnership with the CIA.”

Trump has previously spoken of a potential US takeover of Cuba. At a Florida event in May, he said Cuba had “problems” and suggested Washington would turn its attention to the island after dealing with another foreign policy confrontation.

FRESH WARNING TO IRAN

At Friday’s rally, Trump also raised the possibility of renewed strikes against Iran, invoking “Epic Fury” as he pressed Tehran to reach a diplomatic agreement.

“We may do another little Epic Fury, or they’ll agree,” he said.

“If they’re smart, they’ll just say, ‘Let’s get down to business.’ But, you know, I doubt they’ll do that because perhaps they’re not smart.”

Trump did not specify the terms of the agreement he was demanding or announce a date for further military action.

With inputs from ANI