The Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, returned to the United States on Wednesday after completing an intense day at the Guantanamo Naval Base, where he trained alongside U.S. troops and delivered several messages directed at the Cuban regime, including a warning about the consequences that any attempt to develop military capabilities that threaten U.S. territory would have.
The Secretary of War landed later at the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) in Tampa, Florida, after his second visit to Guantanamo since taking office. During his stay at the base, he engaged in physical activities with marines, soldiers, and sailors before delivering a speech focused on regional security, the strategic role of the enclave, and relations with Havana.
Before the troops, Hegseth made it clear that Washington is keeping a close eye on the movements of the Cuban regime and is ready to respond to any scenario.
"What happens with the future of Cuba is in the hands of the President of the United States and the leadership of Cuba," he stated. "Whatever happens, the Department of War will be prepared and positioned for any possible eventuality."
The official described the Guantanamo Naval Base as a key point for U.S. security and stated that Washington's presence in the enclave will continue.
"It is a very important and strategic U.S. territory. We have been here for over 100 years and we will continue to be here," he noted.
The most decisive statement of the day was related to the possibility of Cuba acquiring weaponry capable of reaching the base or mainland U.S. territory.
"It would be unwise for the Cuban government to attempt to acquire or gain access to types of weaponry capable of reaching this base or the continental territory of the United States," he warned. "They would be inviting a confrontation that not only they do not desire, but one they also could not withstand."
Hegseth's words come amid growing concerns in Washington about Havana's military ties with Russia and Iran. In May, a report released by Axios claimed that Cuba has acquired over 300 military drones from both countries since 2023, and that potential scenarios for their use against U.S. facilities, including the Guantanamo base itself, had been discussed.
During his speech, the Secretary of War also advocated for the so-called "Donroe Doctrine", a concept promoted by the Trump administration to strengthen American influence in the Western Hemisphere.
"The Monroe Doctrine is not only alive; the Roosevelt Corollary is still relevant, but now we have the Donroe Doctrine," he stated. "We are reclaiming our hemisphere."
As an example of that strategy, he recalled Operation Absolute Resolve, carried out on January 3, 2026, when U.S. special forces captured Nicolás Maduro in Caracas. Referring to that operation, he stated that "the Russian air defenses and Cuban guards were no match for our operators, our Rangers."
Despite the firm tone of his statements, Hegseth assured that the United States is not seeking a confrontation with Cuba and left open the possibility of a closer future relationship between both governments.
"We are not looking for enemies. We are a great friend. And we hope that soon we can also be friends with the leadership of the Cuban government," he expressed. "For now, we will see what happens."
The visit took place at a time of increasing tension between Washington and Havana. Days earlier, Miguel Díaz-Canel stated that a potential U.S. military aggression could lead to a "bloodbath," while both Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Josefina Vidal have publicly acknowledged the lack of progress in bilateral contacts.
Before concluding his speech in Guantánamo, Hegseth reiterated that the Pentagon will keep all necessary options ready to respond to any contingency.
"The War Department will provide our Commander-in-Chief with every option needed for any contingency," he concluded.
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