U. S. President Donald Trump, who recently launched a large-scale military operation against Iran, is now said to be eyeing Cuba as a potential next focus of action. The Atlantic reported this, citing sources within the White House administration.

According to one source familiar with internal discussions, Trump believes he is gaining momentum and sees his current course as effective. The publication notes that the president is intent on securing a place in history as a leader who moved forward with decisions his predecessors avoided. People in his circle reportedly argue that such steps could elevate his political legacy beyond that of Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, and Richard Nixon.

Trump has previously floated the idea of what he described as a «friendly takeover» of the island, asserting that Havana was already engaged in talks with Washington. He has also delivered sharp criticism of Cuba, calling it a failed state and remarking that he had long heard its population wanted change.

In recent remarks, Trump indicated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was handling the matter at the highest level. He portrayed Cuba as being in severe economic distress, saying the country lacked money, oil, and food, and suggesting it was in urgent need of U.S. assistance.

Earlier Western media reports claimed that Rubio had been conducting unofficial contacts with Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, identified as a grandson of Cuban leader Raul Castro. The dialogue was said to be taking place outside formal diplomatic channels and without the participation of the Cuban government.

Rubio and his team reportedly view the 41-year-old Castro as a representative of a younger, business-oriented generation less committed to communist ideology.

At the same time, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has previously stated that the country stands ready to defend its sovereignty.