By Sabiu Abdullahi
President Donald Trump has notified the United States Congress that military hostilities against Iran have come to an end, while also raising the possibility of military action against Cuba.
In a letter sent on Friday, the president said the campaign, which started on February 28, had reached its conclusion after a ceasefire that began on April 7, 2026, remained intact. The development coincides with the 60-day limit set by the War Powers Act for unauthorised military engagements.
“The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated,” Trump wrote. He added that the US military would keep a strong presence in the region to counter what he described as an ongoing threat from Iran.
Despite the formal tone of the letter, Trump struck a different note during an event in West Palm Beach, Florida. Speaking to supporters, he suggested that US naval forces deployed in the Persian Gulf could be redirected toward Cuba.
“We’ll do it on the way back from Iran,” Trump told the audience, referring to the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier as monitored in CNN. “We’ll have that come in, stop about 100 yards offshore, and they’ll say, ‘thank you very much, we give up.'”
The remarks have drawn concern from international observers. Many see them as a sign that the administration may still be open to pursuing regime change, especially after the February 28 strikes that reportedly killed senior Iranian officials, including the country’s Supreme Leader.
At the same event, Trump praised the US Navy’s operations in the Strait of Hormuz. He spoke about the seizure of an Iranian cargo vessel and likened the operation to a lucrative venture.
“We took over the cargo, took over the oil. It’s a very profitable business,” he said, after explaining how forces used tugboats and boarded the ship.
Since April 13, the United States has maintained a maritime blockade around Iranian ports. Washington says foreign vessels can pass through, as long as they do not make payments to Iranian authorities. Analysts say the measure has severely affected Iran’s shipping activities.
Although active fighting has stopped, efforts to reach a lasting agreement have not succeeded. Talks held in Islamabad, Pakistan, ended without progress. Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Iran’s latest proposal.
“Frankly, maybe we’re better off not making a deal at all,” he said, indicating that the US could continue its pressure tactics, including the naval blockade.
The operation, known as Operation Epic Fury, has caused widespread damage across the Middle East. Reports indicate that thousands of people have been affected since the initial strikes in February.
Even with the official end of hostilities, tensions remain high. US authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, especially regarding Iranian-aligned groups in the region.
