Cuba claims to be preparing for a possible military attack by the United States, while ensuring that it does not wish to increase tensions with Washington. In an interview aired on Sunday 22 March 2026 on NBC, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío said that the Cuban army remained « Always ready » and that it was preparing for the possibility of an attack, even if such a scenario is not considered probable.
The diplomat stressed that Havana did not want a conflict and said he was open to discussions with the United States. These statements are taking place in a context of strong tensions, marked by a tightening of US sanctions and an energy blockade that aggravated the economic crisis on the island, particularly after the interruption of oil deliveries from Venezuela.
The situation became even more tense after US President Donald Trump said recently that he thought he had « The honor of taking Cuba » one way or another, without specifying its intentions. Despite this rhetoric, the Cuban authorities claim to avoid escalation and to favour dialogue, while claiming their right to defend themselves.
