Cuba says it is preparing for possible U.S. military aggression

The Cuban government is preparing to respond to possible military action by the United States, according to Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, the island's permanent representative to the United Nations. In an interview with the Russian agency TASS, the diplomat said that the authorities take seriously statements by U.S. officials about possible actions against Cuba. He presented the defense of sovereignty and territorial integrity as the reason for that preparation. However, the statements do not confirm that Washington has approved an armed operation or that there is an imminent conflict.

Soberón pointed out that every Friday defense preparation activities are carried out, aimed at both state structures and the civilian population. As he explained, they seek to organize resources and coordinate responses to a possible aggression. The interview took place after the Moncada 2026 Strategic Exercise, held on November 4 and 5, with the participation of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, the Ministry of the Interior, reservists, militias and civilian organizations. The maneuvers concluded with activities for National Defense Day, November 6.

During those exercises, the chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Roberto Legrá Sotolongo, described possible organized resistance in the communities. The Cuban doctrine of the War of the Whole People provides for the participation of regular forces and civilian structures in territorial defense. The country declared 2026 as the Year of Preparation for Defense. The conduct of maneuvers and the statements of their commanders reflect the official position, but they do not prove that a confrontation has begun or that the United States has a decisive intervention.

Despite the warnings, Soberon said Havana does not intend to provoke a war and keeps open the option of talks with Washington. He conditioned that dialogue on mutual respect and no interference in Cuban internal affairs. He also defended Cuba's cooperation with Russia and other countries, arguing that these ties seek mutual benefits and economic development, and do not pose a threat to U.S. security.

The diplomat denied that there are other foreign military bases in Cuba, except for the U.S. facility at Guantanamo, whose presence the Cuban government rejects. In addition, he assured that in the previous ten months there were contacts with the State Department, the FBI, the CIA and the Southern Command. He did not offer details on dates, participants or results, nor was an independent confirmation of those conversations presented.

The statements coincide with new U.S. sanctions announced on November 5 by Secretary of State Marco Rubio against companies, individuals and vessels linked to maritime, energy and technological networks. Cuba rejected the measures; President Miguel Díaz-Canel responded on the 7th that his government would not give in. Although the sanctions and exercises are part of a context of tension, the available information does not support a decision by Washington to initiate hostilities. The position expressed by Soberón combines defensive preparation with a willingness to negotiate.