After Iran, Trump Now Thinks He Has 'The Honour' Of Taking Over Cuba And Ousting Its President

US President Donald Trump has declared he expects to have the 'honour' of Trump taking Cuba, in his latest escalation of rhetoric aimed at ousting the island's president following recent US military action in Iran.

The comments come as Cuba faces an energy collapse and the Trump administration reportedly presses for the departure of President Miguel Díaz-Canel.

Cuba Reels Under Energy Blockade

The Caribbean nation was plunged into a nationwide blackout this week, leaving its 11 million residents without power as fuel reserves ran critically low. No oil imports have reached Cuba for three months due to a US blockade on Venezuelan shipments imposed after the capture of Nicolás Maduro.

Trump's oil policy, including threats of tariffs on other suppliers, has exacerbated the crisis, halting transport and worsening daily hardships for Cubans. The president has previously noted the country is in deep trouble on a humanitarian basis, linking it to his broader push for change in the region. This pressure follows the US launch of military operations in Iran last month, where Trump encouraged regime change.

He has drawn explicit parallels, suggesting that having dealt with Venezuela and Iran, Cuba is next in line for significant transformation. Analysts point out that the current situation provides the US with significant leverage in the ongoing negotiations.

Trump Turns Focus to Havana after Iran

Speaking in the Oval Office on Monday, the president said: 'I do believe I'll be having the honour of taking Cuba. That's a big honour.' He went on to say 'whether I free it, take it, I think I can do anything I want with it', describing Cuba as 'a very weakened nation right now'. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been put in charge of the Cuba dossier, with the White House seeking political reforms or leadership change.

Trump has floated the idea of a 'friendly takeover' and predicted the current regime 'is going to fall pretty soon'. Díaz-Canel, the successor to the Castro era, is under intense strain. US demands in talks reportedly include releasing political prisoners and moving towards multi-party elections.

Cuba has confirmed negotiations but insisted on respect for its sovereignty. The island's long history of resisting external intervention makes any rapid shift uncertain, yet the combination of economic isolation and diplomatic overtures has left Havana with limited options.

International Implications and Reactions

Observers warn that abrupt change could spark instability or migration waves to the United States. Cuban-American communities in Florida have largely supported the hardline stance. On X, a video clip of the remarks shared by journalist Acyn has been viewed millions of times and sparked widespread discussion.

Trump's bold claim of having the honour of taking Cuba underscores his administration's confidence in reshaping the island's future, whether through deal or pressure. The outcome could redefine US-Cuba relations for years to come.

Trump also indicated during Oval Office remarks that he anticipates playing a central role in determining Cuba's forthcoming direction, pointing to the island's prolonged difficulties with fuel availability and the active state of diplomatic exchanges between the two governments.

As Cuba begins restoring electricity following yesterday's nationwide grid collapse, the government has announced plans to expand investment opportunities for Cuban nationals living abroad, including those in the United States, in an effort to attract capital amid the ongoing fuel shortages and economic strain.