U. S. President Donald Trump said he would consider it an honor to take control of Cuba, suggesting that both a military option and a scenario framed as the island’s «liberation» remain on the table.

Speaking to reporters, Trump indicated that he believes the United States has broad freedom of action in relation to Cuba. At the same time, he declined to clarify which specific approach the White House is considering, avoiding comparisons with situations such as Venezuela or Iran. He only noted that negotiations between Washington and the Cuban authorities are currently underway.

The United States began increasing its military presence in the Caribbean as early as August 2025. By September, American forces had started targeting vessels believed to be linked to drug trafficking. At the end of January 2026, Trump declared a state of emergency, citing what he described as a national security threat posed by Cuba.

On March 7, the U.S. president also stated that Cuba would face major changes after the completion of the operation against Iran. He suggested that Havana would see a new phase ahead, though for now Washington’s primary focus remains on the Iranian direction.