By Ginika Igboke
U.S. President Donald Trump said American military operations against Iran are progressing ahead of schedule and indicated his administration could soon turn its attention to Cuba.
Trump made the remarks during a ceremony at the White House honoring the 2025 Major League Soccer champions, Inter Miami CF, on Thursday. The event included the team’s star player Lionel Messi.
The president praised Marco Rubio, his secretary of state, for efforts related to U.S. policy toward Cuba and Venezuela.
“What’s happening with Cuba is amazing,” Trump said, adding that the country’s communist government “wants to make a deal so badly.”
Trump said his administration intends to complete its current military campaign against Iran before addressing issues involving Cuba.
“We could do them all at the same time,” Trump said. “But bad things happen. If you watch countries over the years, you do them all too fast, bad things happen.”
Energy Strains in Cuba
Cuba is facing worsening energy shortages. Millions of residents in Havana and parts of western Cuba recently lost power after a boiler leak forced a major power plant to shut down for repairs.
The outage was expected to last at least 72 hours, according to officials speaking to Cuban state media outlet Radio Rebelde. It marked the second major shutdown at the facility within three months.
Washington has also increased pressure on Cuba’s energy supply network, particularly following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro earlier this year. Oil shipments to the island have declined sharply, contributing to fuel shortages that have disrupted daily life.
In February, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced a new licensing policy designed to streamline the resale of Venezuelan oil to Cuba. Officials said the move aims to support the island’s private sector and provide humanitarian relief amid ongoing fuel shortages.
Trump Describes Progress in Iran Campaign
During his remarks in the White House East Room, Trump highlighted what he described as major military gains against Iran, saying U.S. forces and their Israeli partners have inflicted severe damage on Iran’s military capabilities.
“The United States military, together with the wonderful Israeli partners, continues to totally demolish the enemy far ahead of schedule,” Trump said.
He said U.S. operations have destroyed significant portions of Iran’s naval forces, missile systems, drone capabilities, communications networks, and air defenses.
“Their navy is gone,” Trump said. “Twenty-four ships in three days. Their anti-aircraft weapons are gone, so they have no air force, no air defense. Their communications are gone. Missiles are gone.”
Trump also urged members of Iran’s security forces to abandon the ruling regime.
“I’m once again calling on all members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, the military, and the police to lay down their arms,” he said. “Now is the time to stand up for the Iranian people and help take back your country.”
Oil Market Stabilization Efforts
Trump said his administration is working to stabilize global oil markets during the conflict.
“Yesterday, my administration announced decisive action to help keep down the oil prices, including offering political risk insurance for tankers transiting into the Gulf,” he said, adding that additional steps to reduce pressure on oil prices are expected soon.
Developments in Venezuela
The president also pointed to developments in Venezuela, saying the country has stabilized under acting President Delcy Rodríguez.
“Venezuela is going great,” Trump said, adding that Venezuelan oil exports are benefiting the United States.
Trump said his administration felt compelled to act against Iran because of security concerns.
“They were going to hit us if we didn’t hit them,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with Trump honoring Inter Miami for its MLS Cup victory, recognizing the club and Messi for their achievements in American soccer.
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