We’ll Take Over Cuba, On Way Back From Iran: Trump Makes An Off-The-Cuff Remark After Expanding US Sanctions
The White House said the move was aimed at increasing pressure on Havana, citing concerns over national security and alleged links to Iran. Image courtesy: RNA
Even as the United States continues to remain engaged in tensions with Iran, US President Donald Trump has made yet another striking remark, this time suggesting the potential takeover of Cuba. Trump delivered the comment in a casual, almost joking tone during a public event, suggesting that the United States could “take over” Cuba “almost immediately”.
Speaking at the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches on Friday (May 1, 2026), Trump said, “There’s this place called Cuba, which we will be taking over almost immediately,” before adding a hypothetical scenario involving a US aircraft carrier.
“On the way back, we’ll have one of our big aircraft carriers come in, stop about 100 yards offshore… They’ll say ‘thank you very much. We give up,’” he said, referring to the USS Abraham Lincoln. The remarks, though framed loosely, quickly drew attention given their potential geopolitical implications.
Trump’s Cuba takeover remarks after sanctions
US President Trump’s comments stand out not just for their content, but for the manner in which they were delivered, blending humour and speculation in a way that seemed to blur lines between rhetoric and intent. While the statement appeared off-the-cuff, it came alongside concrete policy actions, including the signing of an executive order expanding Cuba sanctions.
This combination of informal rhetoric and formal policy escalation has raised questions about how seriously such remarks should be interpreted in diplomatic circles.
US sanctions on Cuba: What actions have been taken?
Earlier in the day before making the takeover remark, Trump signed an executive order widening sanctions targeting Cuba’s government and affiliated entities.
The measures extend to individuals and sectors including energy, mining, financial services and defence, and allow action against “any foreign person” operating in these areas.
US officials said the order also enables secondary sanctions on those doing business with blacklisted entities, significantly expanding the scope of economic pressure on Havana.
How has Cuba responded to the latest US moves?
Cuba strongly rejected both the rhetoric and the sanctions. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla called the measures “unilateral coercive” and said they violate international law. “The US has no right whatsoever to impose measures against Cuba or against third countries… They will not intimidate us,” he said, signalling defiance in the face of mounting pressure.
Worth noting here is that US President Trump’s remarks on Cuba come against the backdrop of the ongoing US confrontation with Iran. The US administration has also justified increased pressure on Havana by citing alleged links to Iran and groups such as Hezbollah.
Beyond the rhetoric, US officials have indicated that the sanctions carry an implicit warning, accusing Cuba of enabling hostile intelligence and militant activity close to American territory. The administration has been engaged in a months-long campaign to push Havana toward sweeping reforms, while also tightening energy supplies.
