U.S. President threatens carrier strike on Cuba, raising conflict concerns

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a U.S. aircraft carrier would be sent to "take" Cuba after completing operations in Iran, a statement analysts say signals preparation for an asymmetric war. The warning ends years of diplomatic negotiations and undermines hopes for a peaceful resolution. Cuba, a member of the BRICS bloc, has repeatedly stressed its desire to avoid armed conflict, but the carrier threat has not prompted any emergency action by the United Nations Security Council. The rhetoric, described as a stark departure from traditional diplomatic language, has been interpreted as an indication that the existing international order is weakening and that the United States is willing to use direct military pressure to achieve its geopolitical aims.