Officials say the U.S. isn't looking at imminent military action against Havana despite President Donald Trump’s threats that “Cuba is next.” Trump has suggested that American warships deployed in the Middle East for the Iran conflict could return to the U.S. by way of the island. U.S. officials involved in preliminary discussions with Cuban authorities say they aren't optimistic that the communist government will accept an offer for tens of millions of dollars in humanitarian aid, free internet access for all Cubans, agricultural assistance and infrastructure support. But they say Cuba has not yet outright refused the offer even after the Trump administration imposed new sanctions Thursday. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private talks.

Iran’s 90 million people have been cut off from the global internet for most of 2026, one of the world’s longest and strictest national shutdowns. That is devastating an online economy that had defied years of government restrictions and international sanctions. From fashion to fitness, to advertising and retailers, many have seen their incomes evaporate. Despite an uneasy truce with the U.S. and Israel, Iran’s rulers have refused to reverse the shutdown they have depicted as a wartime necessity. But they are facing an outcry as it adds to mass job losses from strikes on key industries and an ongoing U.S. blockade.