Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla accused the United States government on Thursday of employing media leaks as part of a "psychological warfare" campaign aimed at gauging public support for a potential military action against Cuba.
In a message shared on his X account, Rodríguez warned that a Washington-led assault on Havana would "result in a bloodbath."
His remarks came in response to a Wednesday report by CBS News, which disclosed that Pentagon planners had considered military options against Cuba in late June, including an aerial assault spearheaded by the 101st Airborne Division.
U.S. Media's Role in Escalating Tensions
"Once again, U.S. media outlets are joining the U.S. government's campaign of aggression threats against Cuba," the foreign minister stated. He described the alleged leaks as a tool to gauge American public opinion regarding what he termed a "military adventure."
Rodríguez also firmly rejected the notion that Cuba poses any threat to Washington: "#CubaIsNotAThreat and U.S. intelligence agencies are aware of this. How could it be a threat to the world's largest military and nuclear power?"
Cuba's Strategic Importance and Global Dynamics
This assertion aligns with the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment from the U.S. intelligence community, which does not list Cuba as a direct military threat but notes its strategic significance to China, Russia, and Iran.
Interim Pentagon spokesperson Joel Valdez responded by stating, "We do not comment on hypothetical military operations," while officials cited by CBS News indicated that an armed action is unlikely in the short term, as U.S. offensive capabilities remain focused on the Middle East.
Criticism of Political Figures and Economic Sanctions
Rodríguez additionally targeted political figures from South Florida, saying, "The fabrication of deceitful pretexts against Cuba from South Florida is the perfect business for a group of discredited and corrupt politicians, who continue to profit from the suffering of the Cuban people."
These statements are part of an ongoing escalation of tensions that have intensified throughout 2026.
The Trump administration has intensified economic sanctions—particularly against GAESA, the military conglomerate controlling approximately 70% of the Cuban economy—while maintaining a rhetoric of maximum pressure.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has cautioned Cuba's leadership that there is still time to choose "real reforms, peace, and prosperity, before it's too late."
U.S.-Cuba Relations and Potential Military Threats
What did Bruno Rodríguez accuse the U.S. of doing?
Bruno Rodríguez accused the U.S. of using media leaks as part of a psychological warfare campaign to gauge public support for potential military action against Cuba.
How does the U.S. Annual Threat Assessment view Cuba?
The U.S. Annual Threat Assessment does not consider Cuba a direct military threat but notes its strategic importance to countries like China, Russia, and Iran.
What is the current stance of the Trump administration towards Cuba?
The Trump administration has increased economic sanctions against Cuba, particularly targeting GAESA, and maintains a rhetoric of maximum pressure.
What message did Marco Rubio convey to Cuba's leadership?
Marco Rubio urged Cuba's leadership to opt for real reforms, peace, and prosperity before it becomes too late.