Cuba is ready for any potential attack from US amid oil blockade, envoy says

Cuba’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Carlos Fernandez de Cossio, declared the nation is ready for a potential military confrontation with the United States, despite viewing such an event as improbable. His comments emerged as U.S. President Donald Trump has adopted a more aggressive stance towards Havana, coinciding with an ongoing oil blockade that is intensifying pressure on the island's economy.

Cuban Official's Statement

De Cossio made these remarks over the weekend, which were broadcast on Sunday. He emphasized Cuba's longstanding preparedness for external military aggression, while simultaneously asserting that no justification exists for an attack. The Deputy Foreign Minister also established clear parameters for any dialogue with Washington, stating that discussions would not involve bargaining over Cuba's political system, leadership, or governmental structure.

U.S. Rhetoric and Military Posture

President Trump has previously stated his expectation to "take Cuba," a declaration that has heightened political tensions in the bilateral relationship. Conversely, a senior U.S. general responsible for American forces in Latin America informed lawmakers on Thursday that the U.S. military is not preparing for an invasion or an active takeover of Cuba.

Diplomacy Amidst Sanctions

These public exchanges occur as Havana and Washington engage in ongoing talks, which reportedly began earlier this month. These discussions are taking place against a backdrop of existing U.S. sanctions and an oil blockade that has exacerbated Cuba's economic challenges.

Implications for Markets and Politics

Even without immediate military action, the elevated rhetoric can influence risk perceptions across the Caribbean and broader Latin America. This is particularly true where energy supply and shipping are sensitive to policy shifts. For Cuba, the combination of sanctions pressure and restricted fuel access highlights how geopolitical decisions can rapidly translate into domestic economic stress, potentially affecting trade flows and regional migration dynamics.

Uncertainties Remain

The precise scope, enforcement mechanisms, and duration of the oil blockade have not been detailed, limiting external assessments of how quickly conditions might change. Furthermore, the agenda for the talks that commenced this month remains largely undisclosed, beyond Cuba's firm refusal to discuss any alterations to its government.