According to a CNN telephone interview with former President Trump on Friday, March 6, as well as recent reports from various media outlets, Trump made clear statements on the current and future situation in Iran and the next agenda of the US government.
Trump described the leadership of Iran as “emasculated”. Following the Operation Epic Fury carried out by the US-led coalition, many senior Iranian officials were killed in the strikes. Trump confirmed in a Fox News interview on Sunday, March 1, that 48 Iranian leaders had been eliminated in the attacks.
On Thursday, March 5, Trump praised the military achievements at the White House event, stating that the US military and Israeli partners are “decimating” the enemy forces ahead of schedule.
Regarding the vision for a new leader in Iran, Trump explicitly stated to CNN that he does not mind whether the new leader is a religious figure, nor does he insist on Iran becoming a democratic country. His only requirement is that the new leader must be “fair and just”, and be able to treat the US and Israel kindly.
According to reports from The Hindu and Iran International on Wednesday, March 4, Trump indicated that he is more inclined to have internal figures in the Iranian regime take over power rather than exiled opposition groups. While he mentioned the exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi as an option, he believes that it would be more appropriate for someone currently in Iran with popular support to lead.
Trump stated on Thursday that he must be involved in the appointment of the next Iranian leader, and it is absolutely unacceptable for the son of Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba Khamenei, to take over.
Drawing comparisons with the successful case of supporting the deputy of captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, Delcy Rodriguez, to assume power, Trump likened the situation in Iran to this model. He commended her work as “terrific” and stated to CNN that he believes replicating this model in Iran would be “very easy”.
Regarding military progress, Trump stated on Friday, March 6, that about 25 large Iranian ships have been sunk. He had previously mentioned 9 ships on Sunday, but the number quickly increased.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the Iranian navy’s flagship vessel, the Moudge-class frigate IRIS Jamaran, was sunk at the Chah Bahar port.
Trump told CNN that he has “sorted out” the Strait of Hormuz and remains optimistic about the rise in oil prices, considering it a short-term phenomenon. He noted that with the almost complete destruction of the Iranian navy, they are no longer able to block this strategic waterway.
In the interview, Trump revealed that the next agenda after the Iran issue will be Cuba. He stated that Cuba “will soon crumble” and described Cuba as having “fallen right into his lap”.
The US cut off Venezuela’s daily supply of about 50,000 barrels of oil to Cuba in January, causing the socialist country to face an energy crisis. Trump believes the Cuban regime is unsustainable and is now eager to reach an agreement with the US, placing full control in the hands of the US.
Trump has assigned Secretary of State Marco Rubio to handle Cuban affairs. Rubio emphasized in speeches on February 25 and recently that the US is implementing “maximum pressure 2.0” to cut off Cuba’s lifeline.
This includes not only stopping aid to Venezuela but also warning third-party countries like Mexico that continuing to supply oil to Cuba will face US sanctions, putting the Cuban power grid at risk of collapsing entirely.
Trump stated at the White House on Thursday that it is only a matter of time before Cuban-Americans return to their homeland, hinting that after the Iran conflict ends, Cuba will be the next target for regime change.