Trump Says U.S. Will Finish Iran Conflict Before Turning Focus to Cuba

Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump said his administration intends to end the ongoing conflict with Iran before shifting its attention to Cuba.

Trump made the remarks on March 5, 2026, during a ceremony at the White House honoring Inter Miami CF for winning the Major League Soccer (MLS) title. Football star Lionel Messi was present at the event along with the team.

Although the event was organized to celebrate the club’s success, Trump used the occasion to speak about the United States’ current foreign policy priorities.

“We want to finish this one first,” Trump said while referring to the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

He added that once the situation in Iran is resolved, the administration could turn its attention toward Cuba.

War in Iran Remains Immediate Priority

According to Trump, the Middle East conflict remains the most urgent issue for his administration.

He said U.S. and Israeli forces have made significant progress during the military campaign against Iran.

Trump claimed that several Iranian military systems have been severely damaged during the operation. These include air defenses, missile launch systems, aircraft and parts of Iran’s communication network.

He also urged Iranian officials and military personnel to abandon their positions and consider seeking asylum.

The conflict began after joint U.S.–Israeli strikes in late February resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The military phase of the conflict is expected to continue for several more weeks.

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Possible Shift Toward Cuba

During his speech, Trump also hinted that the administration could shift its focus to Cuba after the Iran conflict ends.

He suggested that the Cuban government may be open to negotiations due to the country’s current economic challenges.

Trump also praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose family has Cuban roots, for his work on Caribbean policy.

The United States has already imposed strict economic pressure on Cuba, including an energy blockade that has reportedly disrupted oil imports to the island.

Key Reasons Behind the Policy Direction

The administration indicated several reasons for its current strategy:

• Middle East priority: The Iran conflict is the main focus of U.S. foreign policy at present.

• Military progress: The government believes Iranian military capabilities have been significantly weakened.

• Future geopolitical plans: The administration is considering new foreign policy moves after the Iran conflict ends.

• Economic pressure on Cuba: Sanctions and energy restrictions have increased pressure on the Cuban government.

Sports Celebration at the White House

Despite the strong political message, the event also celebrated Inter Miami’s MLS championship.

During the ceremony:

• Lionel Messi presented Trump with a jewel-studded pink football.

• Trump compared Messi with Brazilian football legend Pelé.

• Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas said the team had changed the culture of football in the United States.

The event combined a sports celebration with major foreign policy remarks, drawing attention to the administration’s approach to both the Middle East conflict and future relations with Cuba.