President Donald Trump, in an interview released on the 19th (local time), hinted at the possibility of a military operation against Cuba in connection with his earlier remark, "after Iran is over, it's Cuba's turn."
In an interview released that day with the U.S. online outlet Axios, President Trump, when asked whether a military operation against Cuba would proceed similarly to the one carried out in Venezuela early this year, said, "It's possible, and it could happen."
Trump added, "Venezuela is relatively close, and Cuba is right next door," and said, "Iran is very far away." This can be interpreted to mean that a similar operation would be easier because Cuba is geographically much closer than Venezuela or Iran.
The Trump administration last month indicted former Cuban President Raúl Castro. This also prompted speculation that the United States might conduct in Cuba the kind of operation that resulted in Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro being extradited to the United States.
On Israel's attack on Lebanon, Trump said, "It can be stopped, and they respect me very much," while adding, "We have to keep him at least somewhat sane."
Trump also called China's President Xi Jinping "a very smart person." He added, "I told President Xi, 'I would really appreciate it if you did not get involved (in the Iran issue).'"