Cuba Prepares for Potential US Military Intervention, Warns of Sovereignty Defense
Cuba’s military is actively preparing for potential U.S. Military aggression, according to statements made Sunday by Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío. The preparations come in the wake of recent rhetoric from former President Donald Trump, who suggested he would consider “taking Cuba,” and follow a U.S. Military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
“Our military is always prepared, and in fact it is preparing these days for the possibility of military aggression,” Fernández de Cossío told NBC News’ “Meet the Press.” He added that it would be “naive” for Cuban leaders not to consider the possibility of conflict “looking at what’s happening around the world.”
Despite the preparations, Fernández de Cossío expressed hope that a military confrontation could be avoided. “We don’t see why it would have to occur, and we find no justification whatsoever,” he said, reiterating Cuba’s position as a sovereign nation with a right to self-determination.
The Cuban official’s comments followed a press conference after the Venezuela operation, during which Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio alluded to potential military intervention in Cuba. Rubio cautioned that Havana should be “concerned” about such a possibility, according to reports. Trump had previously stated it would be “a big honor” to be the president who “takes Cuba,” suggesting a willingness to pursue regime change.
Fernández de Cossío confirmed that Cuba remains open to dialogue with the United States, but emphasized that current discussions focus on bilateral relations and do not include the island’s political system or the status of political prisoners held in either country. He indicated a willingness to cooperate on issues such as immigration, drug trafficking, and organized crime, and suggested potential opportunities for economic engagement.
“There are changes occurring in Cuba, in our policy of investment, in the structure of property that could be of interest to the United States and to Americans who today cannot do business in Cuba,” Fernández de Cossío stated.
Cuba’s energy sector has faced increasing strain in recent months following a reduction in oil supplies from Venezuela after Maduro’s detention. The situation has been exacerbated by a threat from Trump to impose tariffs on countries that continue to provide oil to Cuba, leading to widespread power outages across the island.