US President Donald Trump on Friday made a statement that the United States could “take over” Cuba “almost immediately”, indicating a potential naval deployment. The remarks coincide with his decision to expand sanctions targeting the Cuban government and its affiliates.
Trump said in an event, “There’s this place called Cuba, which we will be taking over almost immediately.” He described the nation as having “problems” and connected the statement to US military operations in Iran.
“On the way back, what we’ll do, on the way back from Iran we’ll have one our big maybe the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier the biggest in the world we’ll have that come in, stop about a 100 yards off shore and they’ll say thank you very much we give up,” he said.
Trump has also signed an executive order widening the sanctions against the country. The sanctions target individuals and entities linked to Cuba’s security organisations, and sectors including energy, mining, financial services, and defence.
US officials told Reuters that the measure allows action against “any foreign person” operating in major parts of the Cuban economy and allows secondary sanctions on those doing business with blacklisted entities.
The White House cited national security concerns and said the order aimed to increase pressure on Havana, alleging links to Iran and groups such as Hezbollah.
Cuba responded to the order and called the sanctions “unlawful”. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parilla described the sanctions as “unilateral coercive measures” that violate international law.
“The US has no right whatsover to impose measures against Cuba or against third countries,” said Parilla “They will not intimidate us.”
Washington continues to mount pressure on Havana, with Trump reiterating that it is close to collapse. The United States also tightened energy supplies to the island country in the past few months, leading to fuel shortages and power cuts.
