Trump Hints at Shift in Iran Policy

On Friday, President Donald Trump indicated a potential withdrawal from conflict with Iran, making a remark that “Cuba is next” following what seemed to be productive negotiations this week and his administration’s actions regarding Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative Summit held at the Faena Forum in Miami Beach, Florida, Trump asserted that although he supports achieving peace through strength, there are times when force is necessary. He then added, “By the way, Cuba is next. But pretend I never said that,” and urged the media to ignore the comment.

Trump described NATO’s absence from negotiations with Iran as a significant error, stating, “They just weren’t there. That would have been enormously beneficial for the United States.” He reflected on the considerable monetary investment the U.S. makes in NATO, pondering, “Maybe we don’t have to [support them] now?”

Discussing the Strait of Hormuz, he called upon NATO to assist the U.S. in reopening it. “We are negotiating [with Iran]. Right now, it would be great if we could do something, but they have to open it,” he said, referring to the crucial waterway.

Earlier in the discussion about the Strait, Trump confidence stated that the U.S. would “control anything we want.” This comes amidst the Iranian regime’s implementation of hefty fees for certain tankers navigating through this critical passage for global oil transport.