Trump Signals Cuba Intervention After Iran Deal, Discusses Lebanon Peace

U.S. President Donald Trump signaled a potential shift in focus towards Cuba, stating that the United States will make a "short stop" there after concluding its dealings with Iran. Trump described Cuba's government as being in a state of near collapse and expressed a desire to help the Cuban people, claiming they are seeking assistance from the U.S.

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We're going to make a short stop there on the way back.

Speaking after an event in the Oval Office, Trump assessed the foreign policy landscape, particularly concerning Iran. He asserted that a deal with Iran was imminent, which would ensure the country renounces nuclear weapons and lead to the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump noted that most of the mines in the strait had already been cleared, and it would be opened to shipping traffic once an agreement was reached.

When questioned about meeting Iran's leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Trump expressed openness to such a meeting if an agreement could be reached, stating, "I don't want to meet him, but if we could solve a very important problem... I think I would meet with him." He also commented on Iran's military and political capabilities, claiming they have been significantly degraded, and victory would come either through an agreement or militarily. Trump contrasted Iran with Venezuela, describing the former as a much more complex and militarily significant challenge.

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We are very close to a deal... they will not have nuclear weapons, and we will be opening up the Strait of Hormuz.

Regarding Lebanon, Trump mentioned ongoing discussions with both Hezbollah and Israel, indicating a positive process towards a peace agreement. He suggested that Hezbollah had reached out, proposing a cessation of hostilities, and expressed hope for positive developments and peace in the region. Trump confirmed he had spoken clearly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on this matter.

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Hezbollah called us and said, 'What do you think about stopping now?' I think there will be some positive developments there.