Trump says US could launch 'another small operation' against Iran, then turn to Cuba

President Donald Trump told supporters at a Florida rally that the United States could carry out "another small operation" against Iran, and he tied the timing of any further action to political calculations ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. His remarks came as the conflict enters its eighth month and rising fuel prices are shaping voter concerns.

"We can start another small operation, 'Epic Fury'," Trump said at the rally, without offering further details. The name "Epic Fury" is used by the U.S. military for its campaign against Iran, which began with strikes on the Islamic Republic on February 28.

Earlier the same day Trump said the United States could quickly end the war but questioned whether Washington should seek an immediate conclusion or allow the conflict to wind down gradually. He has given varying timelines and objectives for the campaign and said earlier this month that the U.S. would not launch an attack on Iran before the midterm elections that will determine control of Congress.

Rhetoric and electoral politics

At the Florida rally — where Cuban Americans are a significant voting bloc — Trump also promised to "deal with" Cuba once the situation with Iran is resolved. Trump won 68 percent of the Cuban-American vote in Florida in the last election, a constituency he singled out during his remarks.

He described a hypothetical naval posture toward Cuba: "One of the ships will stop about fifty meters off the shore. They will raise their hands in surrender, and then we'll send Marco Rubio to finish the job," he said, using the example to underline his pledge to act on Cuban matters after Iran.

The president’s comments continue a pattern of linking military options with electoral strategy, while leaving concrete operational details vague. Officials have not released additional information about any new strike plan.

Photo: press material from the event