The regime asserted that Cuba "is not naïve" to the threats from President Donald Trump and stated that it has increased its defense capabilities in response to a possible military action by the United States.
The statement was made by Lianys Torres Rivera, chargé d'affaires of the Cuban Embassy in Washington, during an interview granted this Monday to Reuters, in which she discussed the growing tensions between Havana and the Trump administration.
Torres said that the regime remains open to a "respectful" dialogue with Washington, but noted that Cuba "is not naive" to Trump's threats and that its defensive preparations have intensified.
"Cuba has always been preparing for an aggression from the United States," the diplomat stated.
«And we are increasing our capabilities now more than ever [...] It is for our defense,» he emphasized.
The official did not specify what those additional capabilities are, nor did she detail which specific military measures the regime has adopted in recent months, although the government of Havana has widely promoted the alleged preparations.
His statements come amid an escalation of tension between both governments. The Trump administration has tightened its policy towards Havana in 2026, while high-ranking Cuban officials have repeatedly insisted that they consider it necessary to prepare for the possibility of U.S. military action.
This speech is not new. Just two days before Torres' interview, the Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío stated that it would be “naive” and “irresponsible” for the Cuban government not to take “very seriously” the references to a potential aggression from the United States.
Fernández had practically used the same argument days earlier when he explained that the regime is paying attention to reports about possible U.S. military preparations and that Cuba would have to take on its defense alone in the event of an intervention. "We are on our own," he stated at the time.
In March, the deputy foreign minister himself had openly acknowledged that the Cuban Army was preparing for the possibility of a U.S. military action.
"Our military is always prepared and, in fact, is currently preparing for the possibility of a military aggression," he stated to NBC.
Defensive preparation has also been a declared priority by the authorities during 2026.
The regime has designated this year as “Year of Preparation for Defense” and the Revolutionary Armed Forces have carried out exercises that include training with rifles, drones, and anti-tank mines, in an environment of increasing confrontation with Washington.
In May, the Cuban Foreign Ministry also warned that “if Cuba is attacked, it will exercise its right to legitimate defense”, following reports about the alleged acquisition by Havana of more than 300 military drones from Russia and Iran.
In July, the National Assembly heightened its rhetoric by claiming that any U.S. military intervention would meet with "a firm and unyielding resistance" and that the country would defend its sovereignty "at all costs."
In parallel to that defensive preparation, Havana and Washington continue to maintain contacts.
In the same interview with Reuters, Torres Rivera stated that there are no formal negotiations with the United States, although there have been meetings, phone calls, and messages between representatives of both governments.
As was revealed with the release of those statements, the diplomat summarized the current relationship this way: "What we have with the United States are channels of communication."
That description contrasts with statements made by Trump at the United Nations in September, when he claimed that Secretary of State, Marco Rubio was deeply involved in discussions with Havana.
Torres stated, however, that those contacts have not progressed toward a negotiation agenda or the resumption of official talks.
The diplomat also insisted that the Cuban political system remains outside of any possible negotiation and described it as a "red line" for the regime.
Related videos:
Filed under: