U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he is in contact with Iran, though he expressed doubts that Tehran is ready for serious negotiations to end the intervention that began 16 days ago. During conversations with journalists aboard the presidential plane, returning from Mar-a-Lago to Washington, the president indicated that his administration is also talking to several countries to form an international coalition to patrol the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Trump explained that this initiative seeks to have the nations that depend on Gulf oil, especially in Europe and Asia, actively participate in the protection of the energy route. "I am really demanding that these countries intervene and take charge of their own territory, because, in effect, it is their own territory," he stated. However, the president avoided specifying which countries would participate in the coalition, although he mentioned that China is "an interesting case study" when asked about a possible participation from Beijing. Regarding the conflict with Iran, Trump ruled out declaring a military victory for now, although he maintained that the Persian country has been severely weakened. "I'm not going to declare victory. I just say that they are decimated... if we were to leave right now, it would take them ten years or more to rebuild," he affirmed. Possible agreement with Cuba In the same context, Trump assured that the United States could reach "very soon" an agreement with Cuba, although he clarified that his administration prioritizes the situation with Iran first. "Cuba also wants to reach an agreement, and I think we will very soon reach an agreement or do whatever is necessary," he pointed out. Trump added that Washington is currently maintaining conversations with Havana, but insisted that the conflict with Iran will be resolved first. The statements come at a time of high bilateral tension, after the United States established a petroleum blockade against Cuba in January and suspended the supply of Venezuelan crude to the island.
