Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel warned on Monday that any U.S. military action against Cuba would lead to a "bloodbath" with incalculable consequences for regional peace and stability. In a post on X, Diaz-Canel stressed Cuba's right to defend itself and asserted that the country does not represent a threat.
The declarations come amid escalating tensions and mounting speculation that the U.S. could carry out military strikes. In response, the U.S. Treasury has imposed new sanctions on Cuba's main intelligence agency and senior officials.
The spike in tensions follows reports that Havana obtained over 300 military drones from Russia and Iran, with claims that Cuba is mulling the use of these drones against U.S. targets.
Inside Cuba, the reported drone acquisitions and renewed threats have stoked fears of escalation. Many Cubans have expressed outrage at official advice to prepare for a potential attack, which comes amid ongoing shortages and blackouts.