The President of the United States, Donald Trump, left the door open for a possible operation against Cuba similar to the one recently conducted in Venezuela, although he stated that he does not believe it is necessary at this time.
During an exchange with the press aboard Air Force One on February 16, 2026, Trump referred to the deterioration of the Cuban regime, the humanitarian crisis on the Island, and the discussions that his administration is currently having with Havana.
"They don’t even have fuel for the planes to take off. They are blocking their runway," Trump stated, highlighting the severity of the energy shortage facing Cuba.
The president also confirmed that there are direct contacts between Washington and the Cuban government, mentioning Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a key figure in those discussions.
“We are speaking with Cuba right now. Marco Rubio is speaking with Cuba right now. And they should absolutely come to an agreement because it is a humanitarian threat,” he said.
Trump stated that an understanding would be beneficial, especially for the Cuban-American community, which —according to him— has suffered for decades due to Castro's policies.
"We have many great Cuban-Americans who will be very happy when they can return and greet their families... I am very interested in the people who were treated so poorly by Castro and by the Cuban authorities," he declared.
Maximum pressure and implicit threat
In his speech, Trump emphasized that the Cuban regime is in a dire situation due to the embargo, the lack of oil, and the absence of financial resources.
"In the meantime, there is an embargo. There is no oil. There is no money. There is nothing," he stated.
When questioned about whether he would consider a military operation like the one carried out in Venezuela if an agreement could not be reached, Trump avoided answering directly, although he left a statement that has raised concerns.
"I don't want to answer that. If I did, it wouldn't be a very difficult operation, but I don't think it's necessary," he stated.
Cuba at the Center of U.S. Pressure
The statements come in the context of increasing pressure from Washington on Havana, as the economic and energy crisis on the Island worsens following the disruption of Venezuelan oil supplies.
International media have reported that Trump believes Cuba could collapse under the weight of sanctions without the need for direct intervention, although he keeps the threat as a negotiation tool.
Analysts warn that this type of rhetoric increases regional tension and once again places Cuba at the center of a U.S. strategy of "maximum pressure," with direct consequences for the population, which is already suffering from shortages and social deterioration.
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