President Donald Trump has laid out a clear foreign policy roadmap, stating the U.S. intends to conclude its military operations in Iran before turning its full attention to Cuba. In recent remarks aboard Air Force One and at White House briefings, Trump emphasized prioritizing the Iran war but made no secret that Havana is squarely in the administration's sights next.

The President's comments arrive as U.S. and Israeli forces report major gains against Iran's military infrastructure, with Tehran reportedly suing for peace talks amid depleted capabilities. Trump brushed off current negotiations as a waste of time, demanding strict concessions like an end to uranium enrichment and proxy militias, even as global oil prices remain stable. By sequencing Iran first, the strategy aims to prevent stretching U.S. forces thin, building on tactics like the recent Venezuelan oil embargo that has already hammered Cuba's economy.

Cuba, freshly designated a national security threat over alleged links to terror groups like Hamas, is grappling with a crippling fuel shortage after losing key Venezuelan supplies. Trump predicted the regime's collapse is near, calling Cuban leaders "desperate to deal" and crediting Secretary of State Marco Rubio's tough stance. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel fired back with public support for Iran, while Cuban exiles in Miami cheer the prospect of Washington delivering the final blow.

Trump's one-two punch on rogue states marks a bold escalation of his "America First" doctrine, with potential to upend alliances in the Middle East and Latin America this year. While energy chokepoints could topple Cuba's government without direct invasion—much like Venezuela—critics warn of backlash from backers like Russia and China. As Trump told supporters bluntly, dealing with Cuba is "just a question of time."