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Cuban President Miguel Díaz‑Canel on Thursday delivered a forceful address in Havana, declaring that the Caribbean island is “ready” to defend itself against a possible military attack from the United States amid escalating tensions between the two nations.
Speaking to a large crowd marking the 65th anniversary of the Bay of Pigs invasion, Díaz‑Canel stressed that while Cuba does not seek confrontation with Washington, it has a duty to prepare for any scenario.
“We don’t want that (confrontation), but it is our duty to be ready to avoid it, and if it were unavoidable, to win it,” he told the rally.
The warning comes after repeated comments from US President Donald Trump about Cuba’s future role on the global stage. Trump has suggested that, following US military engagements elsewhere, “we may stop by Cuba after we finish with this,” while also criticising the island’s governance and describing it as “terribly run.”
Cuba’s leadership has sought to frame its readiness as defensive, emphasising the island’s long history of conflict with Washington. In statements on social media, Díaz‑Canel has said that “Cuba does not attack; it has been attacked by the U.S. for 66 years,” and that the government’s focus remains on protecting the homeland.
Amid the rhetoric, Havana has also acknowledged that diplomatic talks with U.S. officials are underway, although details remain limited. The discussions follow months of heightened pressure, including an energy blockade imposed by the US that has deepened Cuba’s economic and fuel shortages. Both sides have signalled a desire to reduce friction, but progress appears limited so far.
At the rally, Díaz‑Canel reaffirmed Cuba’s socialist identity and rejected US characterisations of the country as a “failed state,” instead calling it “a besieged state” responding to external pressure.
