(DDM) – United States President Donald Trump has suggested that Cuba could become the next focus of American military attention after the ongoing conflict involving Iran, raising fresh geopolitical concerns about the potential expansion of hostilities.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Trump made the remark during an event at the White House on Thursday while hosting players and officials of Inter Miami CF, the champions of the Major League Soccer 2025 season.

The American leader was addressing an audience largely made up of supporters and guests from the Miami region, including individuals with Cuban heritage.

During his remarks, Trump indicated that his administration was currently focused on ongoing military operations connected to rising tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran in the Middle East.

However, he hinted that once the situation surrounding Iran is resolved, Washington might shift its strategic attention toward Cuba.

Trump described the situation involving Cuba as “amazing,” suggesting that developments related to the island nation could eventually require direct American intervention.

He added that the United States intends to finish the current conflict before considering any additional geopolitical moves.

According to Trump, the prospect of Americans returning to Cuba in the future remains part of a broader strategic vision linked to political developments in the Caribbean nation.

His statement was interpreted by observers as an indication that Washington could escalate pressure on the Cuban government once tensions in the Middle East subside.

The comments came amid a week of escalating hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which have drawn global attention and heightened fears of a wider regional conflict.

Trump also used the opportunity to provide a brief update on the military situation, claiming that American and Israeli forces were continuing coordinated operations against Iranian targets.

The statement has already triggered debates among foreign policy analysts who warn that expanding American military focus to other countries could destabilise multiple regions simultaneously.

Cuba has historically been a sensitive geopolitical flashpoint in relations between Washington and Havana.

The island nation’s strained relationship with the United States dates back to the Cold War era, particularly following the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, when the world came close to nuclear confrontation.

That crisis emerged after the Soviet Union deployed nuclear missiles to Cuba, prompting a tense standoff with the United States.

Although the Cold War ended decades ago, diplomatic tensions between Washington and Havana have persisted through successive American administrations.

Economic sanctions imposed by the United States have remained a major source of friction between the two countries.

Several attempts at diplomatic thaw, including partial normalisation efforts during the presidency of Barack Obama, temporarily improved relations before later policy reversals.

Analysts note that Trump’s latest remarks could signal a renewed hardline posture toward the Cuban government.

The possibility of military action against Cuba would mark a dramatic escalation in American foreign policy toward the Caribbean region.

Such a move would likely provoke international debate and attract scrutiny from global institutions and allied nations.

Critics argue that expanding military campaigns beyond the Middle East could risk overstretching American resources and complicating diplomatic efforts worldwide.

Supporters of a tougher stance toward Cuba, however, argue that the island’s political system and strategic alliances continue to challenge American interests.

For now, Trump’s statement appears to be more of a political signal than a confirmed policy direction.

Nevertheless, the comments have already drawn widespread attention across diplomatic circles and media outlets.

Observers say the coming months will reveal whether the remarks were rhetorical or part of a broader strategic calculation by Washington.

As tensions in the Middle East continue to unfold, the international community is closely monitoring whether the conflict will remain regional or expand into new geopolitical arenas.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), said it has carried out an operation in central Tehran this morning, targeting a bunker underneath the Iranian regime’s leadership compound.

The IDF released a video claiming the strike was part of a larger operation targeting Iran’s central command complex, including the Presidential Office and Supreme National Security Council.

More details to follow….

China is negotiating with Iran to allow crude oil and Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, according to multiple diplomatic sources.

This comes as the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Tehran intensifies, disrupting global energy supplies.

The conflict, now in its sixth day, has nearly shut down the critical shipping lane, which carries roughly 20% of global oil and LNG supplies. China, heavily dependent on Middle Eastern energy (about 45% of its oil imports pass through the Strait), is pressing Iran to permit safe maritime transit to stabilize global markets.

Recent tracking data shows that a vessel named Iron Maiden successfully passed through the Strait after reflagging as a Chinese-owned ship, but analysts note that many more sailings are needed to reassure global markets.

The disruption has already sent crude oil prices up over 15%, with Tehran targeting both Gulf energy facilities and vessels transiting the Strait. Iran’s missile strikes have also reached Cyprus, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, raising further concerns about regional instability and inflation risks in major economies.

Shipping data from Vortexa and Kpler indicate that only four vessels passed through the Strait on March 1, down from the 24 daily average seen since January, with roughly 300 oil tankers still stranded.

Some vessels currently allowed through are Chinese or Iranian-owned, while U.S., Israeli, European, and allied ships remain barred.

REUTERS.

The Kremlin has said it will respond if Finland proceeds with its plan to allow nuclear arms on its territory, calling the move a potential threat to Russia and an escalation of tensions in Europe.

Finland, which shares a long border with Russia, historically maintained neutrality but joined NATO in 2023 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

On Thursday, Helsinki announced plans to lift its longstanding ban on hosting nuclear weapons, potentially allowing deployment during wartime.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated:

“This statement adds to Finland’s vulnerability, a vulnerability provoked by the actions of the Finnish authorities. By deploying nuclear weapons on its territory, Finland is beginning to threaten us. And if Finland threatens us, we take appropriate measures.”

Russia’s warning reflects broader European security concerns amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and unpredictability from U.S. foreign policy, including President Donald Trump’s past proposals such as attempting to acquire Greenland.

About 52 French ships are currently stranded in the Persian Gulf, while eight others remain stuck in the Red Sea as tensions linked to the war involving Iran continue to disrupt maritime activity in the region, France’s transport minister said on Friday.

Philippe Tabarot, France’s transport minister, said authorities are closely monitoring the situation and maintaining constant communication with the vessels and their crews.

“There are around fifty ships 52 to be precise  in the Persian Gulf and eight in the Red Sea, and we are also in permanent contact with the crews, as there are French sailors aboard a number of these vessels,” Tabarot told French broadcaster CNews/Europe 1.

The ships have been unable to leave the region due to security concerns as the conflict between Iran and its adversaries escalates, threatening key international shipping routes.

France is now seeking support from other countries to form a coalition aimed at protecting maritime traffic and ensuring the safety of vessels operating in the strategic waterways.

The situation highlights growing fears that the ongoing crisis could further disrupt global trade, as the Persian Gulf and Red Sea remain crucial corridors for oil shipments and commercial shipping between Asia, Europe and other parts of the world.

Iran has denied allegations that it launched a drone attack on the United States Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, amid escalating tensions across the Middle East following recent strikes involving the United States and Israel.

Iran’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alireza Enayati, on Thursday categorically rejected claims that Tehran targeted the American diplomatic compound in the Saudi capital earlier this week.

Saudi officials had alleged that Iran carried out a drone attack on the embassy, which reportedly triggered a fire within the compound.

However, speaking to Agence France-Presse (AFP), Enayati dismissed the accusations, insisting that Iran had no involvement in the incident.

“We confirmed that Iran has no role in the attack on the US embassy in Riyadh,” the ambassador said.

He added that the Iranian government typically acknowledges responsibility for its military actions and would not conceal such operations.

“If the operations command in Tehran attacks somewhere, it takes responsibility for it,” Enayati said.

Saudi Arabia has repeatedly accused Iran of launching missile and drone attacks on its territory in recent days as tensions in the region intensify.

Riyadh has warned that it reserves the right to defend itself and could retaliate against any confirmed attacks.

Iran has also denied earlier allegations that it targeted the Ras Tanura oil refinery in eastern Saudi Arabia, one of the largest petroleum facilities in the Middle East.

Saudi authorities had claimed the facility was struck twice by drones.

The diplomatic dispute comes amid a broader escalation of hostilities in the Middle East after joint strikes by the United States and Israel reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

In response, Iran has launched a series of retaliatory attacks across the region, targeting Israel and other strategic locations.

The violence has spread across the Gulf region, which had previously been considered relatively stable.

According to reports, at least 13 people have been killed since Iran began retaliatory strikes on Saturday, including seven civilians.

Despite the escalation, Enayati rejected suggestions that Iran is seeking to expand the conflict into a broader regional war.

“This is not a regional war and it is not our war. It was imposed on the region,” he said.

Before the outbreak of the latest hostilities, Saudi Arabia had supported diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions between Iran and the United States.

The kingdom had also assured Tehran that its territory, airspace and waters would not be used to launch attacks against Iran.

Enayati welcomed that stance, saying Tehran appreciated Saudi Arabia’s position.

“We appreciate what we have repeatedly heard from Saudi Arabia that it does not allow its airspace, waters, or territory to be used against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he said. “We welcome and affirm this position.”

Relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia had only recently begun to improve after years of hostility.

In March 2023, the two regional rivals agreed to restore diplomatic ties under a China-brokered agreement facilitated by the China.

Saudi Arabia had previously severed relations with Iran in 2016 after protesters attacked the Saudi embassy in Tehran and its consulate in the northwestern Iranian city of Mashhad following the execution of Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr by Saudi authorities.

The latest accusations and denials now threaten to strain the fragile rapprochement between the two countries as the wider Middle East conflict continues to unfold.

France has confirmed that it is allowing U.S. military support aircraft to use one of its air bases for logistical missions related to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, while insisting that the planes will not participate in combat operations.

In a statement on Thursday, March 5, the French general staff said U.S. aircraft providing operational support had been authorised to land at the Istres Air Base.

Officials stressed that the aircraft involved are not combat planes and will only carry out support roles.

“U.S. aircraft providing operational support not combat aircraft have been accepted at the Istres air base in France,” the military said.

The French government said it had secured guarantees from Washington that the aircraft using its facilities would not take part in strike operations against Iran.

According to the French military, the planes will only provide logistical assistance linked to the defence of allied partners in the region.

France added that the arrangement falls within routine procedures under the framework of NATO cooperation.

President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly emphasised that France will maintain a “strictly defensive” position in the escalating conflict.

Earlier this week, Macron criticised the bombing campaign carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran, saying the operations were conducted “outside international law”.

However, he also blamed Tehran for contributing to the wider regional escalation that followed the initial strikes.

French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin clarified that the aircraft landing at the Istres base are primarily refuelling planes.

“A refuelling aircraft is a service station; it is not a fighter jet,” Vautrin told reporters.

She explained that the authorisation granted by the French president was limited strictly to refuelling and other support activities.

As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, France has also taken steps to strengthen its defensive presence in the region.

Vautrin confirmed that French Dassault Rafale fighter jets will patrol regional airspace to deter attacks on Gulf partners.

Six additional Rafale aircraft have already been deployed to the United Arab Emirates, which has reportedly been targeted by Iranian missile attacks.

“France isn’t at war,” Vautrin said. “We are taking a stance of defending. We are not attacking anyone.”

The minister also said a French aircraft carrier group would soon arrive in the eastern Mediterranean Sea to reinforce the country’s military presence.

Europe divided over U.S. requests

European governments have taken different positions on whether to support U.S. military operations linked to the conflict.

Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, has refused to allow Washington to use Spanish bases for the war effort despite threats of economic retaliation.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer initially rejected a similar request but later allowed the United States to use two UK bases for what he described as a “specific and limited defensive purpose”.

As part of broader European security coordination, Macron has also held discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on efforts to protect commercial shipping routes in the Red Sea.

Several European nations, including Spain and Netherlands, have also dispatched naval vessels to help defend Cyprus after the island was targeted by drone attacks during the early stages of the conflict.

The United Arab Emirates is considering freezing billions of dollars worth of assets linked to Iran as part of potential measures to punish Tehran over recent attacks connected to the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

The report, published on Thursday, said Emirati authorities are weighing financial and maritime actions that could significantly restrict Iran’s access to foreign currency and global trade. However, Reuters said it could not immediately verify the report independently.

The UAE’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters outside normal business hours.

Possible financial crackdown

Officials familiar with the discussions told the Wall Street Journal that UAE policymakers are considering several options, including freezing assets belonging to Iranian-linked entities operating in the Gulf state.

These measures could target UAE-based “shadow companies” allegedly used to disguise Iranian trade activities. Authorities are also reportedly examining stricter controls on local currency exchange houses, which officials believe are used to move money outside the formal banking system.

If implemented, the measures could form part of a broader financial crackdown on Iran’s alleged network used to bypass international sanctions.

A key focus of the potential crackdown would be financial accounts connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the powerful Iranian military organization that Western governments frequently accuse of overseeing parts of Tehran’s covert financial operations abroad.

Possible maritime actions

In addition to financial steps, the report said UAE authorities are also discussing direct maritime action against Iranian vessels.

According to two officials familiar with the discussions, the UAE could potentially seize Iranian ships operating in regional waters if tensions escalate further.

Such actions would mark a significant escalation in pressure on Tehran.

Rising tensions in the region

The reported discussions come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran.

Those strikes, launched last Saturday, prompted Tehran to retaliate by firing missiles toward Israel and several Gulf locations hosting U.S. military facilities.

According to the Wall Street Journal, UAE officials have privately warned Iran that such measures could be taken if attacks continue.

It remains unclear whether or when the Emirati government might implement the proposed actions.

The situation highlights the growing regional strain as countries in the Gulf weigh how to respond to escalating hostilities involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

British police have arrested four men on suspicion of carrying out espionage activities for Iran, following an investigation into alleged surveillance of locations and individuals connected to London’s Jewish community.

According to the police, the suspects were detained after coordinated arrests in Barnet, north London, and Watford, a town located north of the British capital.

Authorities said one of the suspects is an Iranian national, while the remaining three hold dual British-Iranian citizenship.

The arrests are part of what officials described as a long-running investigation into potential Iranian-linked intelligence activity within the United Kingdom.

Commander Helen Flanagan of the Metropolitan Police confirmed on Friday that detectives had been monitoring the suspects as part of efforts to counter foreign espionage threats.

“The arrests form part of an ongoing investigation,” she said.

Police said the four suspects are aged between 22 and 55 years old.

In addition, six other men were also arrested during the operation on suspicion of assisting an offender, authorities said.

British lawmakers and intelligence agencies have repeatedly warned about what they describe as increasing security threats from Iran within the UK.

Security concerns have also been raised by other Western countries. Australian authorities have previously linked a number of antisemitic incidents to actors connected to Tehran.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not yet disclosed further details about the alleged surveillance activities.