US President Donald Trump has suggested the possibility of a new military front following operations in Iran and Venezuela, stating that Cuba “is the next country” in line.
Speaking at the Institute of International Finance priorities summit in Miami, Trump highlighted the strength of the US military, saying: “I built this great military, and I said you will never have to use it, but sometimes using it becomes necessary.”
“Cuba Is Next” Remark Raises Questions
In a remark delivered in a joking tone, Trump told the audience: “By the way, Cuba is next, but please pretend I didn’t say that. Pretend I didn’t say it. Please, please, please, media, ignore this statement. Thank you very much. Cuba is next.”
Despite the informal delivery, the statement comes amid ongoing US military engagements and has raised questions about potential escalation beyond current theatres.
War on Iran: “It Has Not Ended”
Addressing the ongoing war on Iran, Trump confirmed that the conflict is still active. “I am not saying it is almost over, but it is not over. It has to end,” he said.
This follows previous statements in which Trump declared victory over Iran. Speaking earlier at the White House, he stated: “You know, I don’t like to say this, we won, because we did win this war, and the only one insisting on prolonging it is the fake media.”
Thousands of Targets and Continued Pressure
Trump also revealed that the United States still has 3,554 additional targets inside Iran. “It will be done very quickly,” he said.
He argued that Iran was once a strong state but “is not anymore,” adding: “They have never seen anything like this before.”
Legal Framing: “Military Conflict” Not War
On the legal front, Trump explained that there is a “legal reason” for describing the situation in Iran as a “military conflict” rather than a war, despite his previous use of the term “war.”
This distinction relates to the requirement for congressional authorisation. Under US law, formal war declarations or authorisations for the use of force must be approved by Congress.
War Powers Act Constraints
The legal basis stems from the War Powers Act of 1973, enacted to ensure that both Congress and the President share authority over deploying US armed forces into hostilities.
The law requires the president to withdraw US forces within 60 days of notifying Congress of military action, unless a declaration of war or authorisation is granted. A single 30 day extension is permitted.
Timeline and Scale of the Operation
Trump indicated that the operation in Iran could conclude within five weeks, placing it within the legal timeframe outlined by the War Powers Act.
However, the scale of the operation represents one of the largest military actions conducted without formal congressional authorisation for the use of force.
