# US military policy toward Iran and Cuba

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-military-policy-toward-iran-and-cuba
> Updated: 2026-10-23T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 403. Developments: 2.

President Donald Trump has signaled potential military escalations involving both Iran and Cuba. Regarding Iran, Trump has referenced a possible “little Epic Fury,” expressing uncertainty over whether the United States should pursue a rapid conclusion to the conflict or allow it to diminish gradually. He indicated that Washington might launch another limited operation if negotiations fail to produce an agreement, emphasizing that the U.S. cannot allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. Trump noted that while he would not launch attacks before the November 3 midterm elections, previous campaigns such as Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury have already significantly damaged Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities. During a recent rally in Florida, Trump suggested a new military operation could occur as early as Sunday, October 25. He stated Washington is weighing major attacks against continued pressure via naval blockades and sanctions, while questioning if Iranian leadership can be trusted to honor any deal. In response, Iranian military officials, including Chief of General Staff Ali Abdollahi, warned that the US Navy is incapable of re-entering Iranian territorial waters. Authorities have threatened strikes on digital infrastructure, data centers, and undersea communication cables. The conflict has driven Brent crude prices above $113 per barrel due to instability in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb strait. In relation to Cuba, Trump proposed utilizing U.S. warships returning from Middle East operations to maintain a presence near the island, suggesting a vessel might halt approximately 50 yards from the Cuban coast to force negotiations. He indicated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be tasked to “close the deal.” Rubio has characterized Cuba as a “failed state” and has urged those seeking political change to engage in “discreet collaboration” with the CIA.

## Claims

- There were 28 verified incidents in October. (disputed by 4 sources)
- More than 30 Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) have sustained damage. (disputed by 4 sources)
- A US ship will stop approximately 50 yards from the Cuban coast. (corroborated by 38 sources)
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged those seeking positive change in Cuba to partner with the CIA. (corroborated by 31 sources)
- Donald Trump indicated the possibility of new military strikes against Iran. (corroborated by 31 sources)
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio will be sent to resolve the situation in Cuba. (corroborated by 28 sources)
- Donald Trump stated US ships will pass by Cuba after the war in Iran. (corroborated by 25 sources)
- Donald Trump suggested the US may launch another military operation against Iran called “another little Epic Fury”. (corroborated by 25 sources)
- US Envoy Tom Barrack stated a US strike against Iran could occur this weekend. (corroborated by 18 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-23: Donald Trump threatens military presence near Cuba

President Donald Trump suggested U.S. warships could stop near Cuba after the Iran conflict, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Cubans seeking political change to partner discreetly with the CIA.

244 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-proposes-us-naval-presence-near-cuba-to-resolve-island-crisis

### 2026-10-22: Trump suggests renewed military operations against Iran

President Donald Trump has suggested the US may launch renewed military strikes against Iran, potentially as early as Sunday, while also leaving the possibility of a diplomatic settlement open.

187 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/trump-suggests-potential-new-military-operations-against-iran-and-cuba

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Cite as: US military policy toward Iran and Cuba. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-military-policy-toward-iran-and-cuba