In a recent interview with Brazilian journalist Breno Altman for the program "20 Minutes" on Opera Mundi, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel emphasized the need for Cuba to be militarily prepared for potential aggression from the United States. The discussion took place in Havana.
Díaz-Canel expressed his concerns, stating, "Given the current circumstances, there is a possibility of an attempt to attack Cuba. We must be ready to avoid any surprise or defeat."
While the Cuban regime claims to advocate for peace, Díaz-Canel's words carried a more ominous tone: "We do not promote war, nor do we encourage it, but we are not afraid to engage in war if it means defending the Revolution, our sovereignty, and the country's independence."
People's War Strategy
The Cuban leader outlined their defense strategy, rooted in the "war of the entire people" doctrine, which blends symmetrical warfare with irregular warfare and popular participation. This approach is enshrined in the Cuban Constitution.
"Our preparation is not offensive but defensive," Díaz-Canel clarified, asserting that every Cuban has a role and mission in the nation's defense. His statement, however, seems to assume broad popular support that might not exist.
When asked about his personal readiness for a military intervention, Díaz-Canel confidently replied, "Absolutely. We are all prepared in Cuba, and those of us with responsibilities are ready."
International and Domestic Repercussions
Díaz-Canel also claimed that any U.S. military action would face international backlash: "A military attack by the United States would be condemned by most of the international community, including a significant portion of the American public."
These remarks are not isolated incidents. On April 7, in an interview with Newsweek, Díaz-Canel warned, "We will fight and defend ourselves." Subsequently, during an event marking the 65th anniversary of the Socialist Character of the Revolution, he urged the Cuban people to be "ready to face serious threats, including military aggression."
In a conversation with NBC News, he took an even more dramatic stance: "If we must die, we will die, because as our national anthem says: To die for the homeland is to live."
U.S. Tensions and Dialogue Prospects
The backdrop is an ongoing escalation from Washington. On March 16, Trump declared from the White House, "I believe I will have the honor of taking Cuba." Later, in Miami Beach, he added cryptically, "Cuba is next, but act like I didn't say that."
More recently, USA Today reported in April that the Pentagon has quietly accelerated planning for a potential military operation on the island.
Despite the warlike rhetoric, Díaz-Canel reiterated the regime's willingness for dialogue: "Our aim is to build a dialogue that allows us to find common ground and steer clear of aggression."
However, he firmly rejected any negotiation regarding Cuba's internal political system: "Absolutely not. Our internal issues are not up for discussion with the United States."
According to Díaz-Canel, talks between Havana and Washington are still in very early stages following a meeting on April 10 in Havana with a State Department delegation, marking the first official U.S. aircraft in Cuba since 2016.
Understanding Cuba's Military Preparedness
What is Cuba's "war of the entire people" doctrine?
The "war of the entire people" is a defense strategy that combines symmetrical and irregular warfare, involving popular participation. It is a doctrine enshrined in the Cuban Constitution.
How has the international community reacted to the possibility of U.S. aggression towards Cuba?
According to Díaz-Canel, any U.S. military aggression would likely be condemned by a majority of the international community, including a significant segment of the American population.
Is Cuba open to negotiating its political system with the United States?
No, Díaz-Canel has explicitly stated that Cuba's internal political system is not open for negotiation with the United States.
What recent developments have occurred in Cuba-U.S. relations?
Talks between Cuba and the U.S. are in very early stages, following a meeting in Havana with a State Department delegation on April 10, marking the first official U.S. presence in Cuba since 2016.