Trump says Cuba is next; wants to finish Iran first

US President Donald Trump said his administration aims to conclude the war in Iran before turning its focus to Cuba, indicating a potential shift in US foreign policy priorities once tensions in the Middle East ease.

Speaking at the White House during an event celebrating Major League Soccer champions Inter Miami CF, Trump emphasized that resolving the conflict with Iran remains the immediate priority.

"We want to finish this one first," Trump said, referring to the Iran conflict. "But it will only be a matter of time before you and many incredible people are heading back to Cuba."

The president suggested that Havana is eager to engage with Washington. "Cuba wants to make a deal so badly," he said, adding that many Cuban Americans could eventually return to the island. "We want you back, and we don't want to lose you."

Trump's remarks come amid ongoing US-Cuba tensions. Relations with Cuba, a communist state, have historically been strained, with diplomatic friction increasing during Trump's second term.

Trump Boasts of Progress in Iran War

At the event, Trump offered a confident assessment of the US-led campaign in Iran, claiming rapid advances alongside Israeli forces.

"The United States military, together with our incredible Israeli partners, continues to totally demolish the enemy, far ahead of schedule," Trump said. He added that Iran's military capabilities had been heavily degraded.

"They have no air force, no air defense. Their navy has been destroyed, and we've wiped out 24 ships in three days," he claimed. While Trump provided few operational details, these assertions have not been independently verified.

Iran Ready to Negotiate, Trump Says

Trump also suggested that Iranian leaders are seeking negotiations to end the conflict.

"They're calling, asking, 'How do we make a deal?'" Trump said. "I told them, 'You're a bit late, and we want to fight now more than you do.'"

He encouraged Iranian diplomats to cooperate in reshaping the country's political future, stating that those who do could "help us build a new and better Iran with great potential," while warning that continued resistance could carry serious consequences.

Oil Markets and Next Steps

Despite the war, Trump said global oil markets have largely stabilized, though the conflict required a temporary shift in US priorities.

"The oil seems to have pretty much stabilized," he said. "We had it very low, but I had to take this little detour."

He also indicated that additional measures to ease pressure on energy markets could be announced soon. For now, however, the White House says the focus remains on the conflict in Iran, with Trump suggesting that US attention could quickly shift to Cuba once the fight concludes.