The Cuban government, through its state commentator Oliver Zamora Oria, denounced the United States' strike on Iranian nuclear facilities as a "grave mistake," asserting that Tehran has no alternative but to retaliate. This fiery editorial was broadcast on Sunday during the Caribbean Channel's weekly news segment.
"Iran has no choice but to respond. Displaying any form of weakness could be its downfall in a scenario where power is paramount," declared Zamora from the studio. His statement marks one of the Cuban regime's most direct stances on the conflict.
Zamora, who also serves as a correspondent for the Russian state channel Russia Today and is a regular figure in the Cuban regime's internationalist propaganda, fiercely criticized U.S. foreign policy, particularly targeting President Donald Trump. He accused Trump of promoting a "simplistic doctrine" based on force.
"Thus far, Trump's foreign policy has been the most inept and boastful of any U.S. administration in recent decades, achieving not a single success," Zamora claimed.
The Cuban reaction comes in the wake of U.S.-ordered bombings on three Iranian nuclear sites, an action Washington hailed as "successful," but which Havana views as a step towards calamity.
Justifying Iran's Potential Countermeasures
In his commentary, Zamora justified Iran's potential response, referencing the country's parliament's suggestion to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical passageway for over one-fifth of the world’s oil trade. He warned that such a drastic measure could spike oil prices, with severe global consequences, yet he acknowledged it as a viable option.
Additionally, Zamora highlighted the military capabilities of Iran's allies, such as the Yemeni Houthi rebels and the Lebanese group Hezbollah, as well as the presence of nuclear powers in the region that have taken a definitive stance alongside Tehran. "Iran is a military power that has prepared for this moment over decades," he asserted, emphasizing its missile industry and the cultural-religious symbolism that fuels deep-rooted resistance. "In a nation where life begins after death... losing it for faith is a reward," he added.
Zamora openly challenged the statements made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who claimed that after the bombings, "the world is now safer." "Seriously? What about mental health at the White House? What do these people understand by security and stability?" Zamora mocked, questioning how, if everything is supposedly better, U.S. military bases in the region are on high alert and bombings on Israel have escalated.
Focus on Cuba's Internal Struggles
While the regime focuses on the Middle East, many Cubans demand attention to the island's ongoing hardships: never-ending blackouts, dilapidated roads, rampant inflation, and widespread shortages. Comments on the news segment’s YouTube post reveal the public's exasperation with what many perceive as empty rhetoric disconnected from reality.
"How long will Cubans be forced to listen to lies and manipulated news?" questioned one viewer. "Stop worrying about Iran and the U.S. and solve the countless issues this country faces. They're wealthy, they have money... Make sure your own house doesn't catch fire because you won't be able to fix it, man," another person commented.
Another Cuban was more direct, asking: "Oliver, what about the consequences for us Cubans here in our own Cuba, living through catastrophic days without electricity, without water, with high prices, destroyed streets... Oliver, put yourself in our shoes as we live our lives."
Zamora's intervention is not an isolated event but part of a broader strategy by the Cuban regime to solidify its alliances with Iran, Russia, and other adversaries of the West. However, for many citizens, the cost of this alignment is increased international isolation, leading to more sanctions, less investment, and a suffocating economy.
In a country where accessing basic necessities is a daily struggle, hearing their leaders discuss distant wars and nuclear powers feels, to many, like a disrespectful disconnect from national realities. "The Cuban 'press' has been looking elsewhere for 66 years, anywhere but at Cuba," wrote another user with restrained anger.
Key Questions on Cuba's Reaction to U.S.-Iran Tensions
Why did Cuba criticize the U.S. for attacking Iranian facilities?
Cuba denounced the U.S. attack on Iranian nuclear sites as a "grave mistake," emphasizing the need for Iran to retaliate, which aligns with Cuba's strategic alliances with countries opposed to U.S. policies.
How does the Cuban public view the government's focus on Iran?
Many Cubans express frustration with the government’s focus on foreign conflicts, urging attention to domestic issues such as economic hardships, infrastructure decay, and basic shortages.