Castro Rails Against Iran Sanctions

Fidel Castro made yet another public appearance Friday—his fifth in 10 days, after four years out of the public eye—saying the U.S. would cause a devastating nuclear war if it continued pressuring Iran with sanctions to stop its nuclear program. During his hour-and-a-half visit to Cuba’s Foreign Ministry, Castro also predicted that America would attack North Korea, according to a state-run website. After he left, the site reported, ministry employees and people in the area paid tribute with spontaneous shouts of “Viva.” Castro handed over power to his brother, President Raul Castro, in 2006 after emergency surgery ended 49 years of rule, and he wasn’t seen in public till July 7. Analysts are unsure why Castro is suddenly out and about, puzzling over a huge release of political prisoners and Castro’s continuing warnings against war.