In an exclusive conversation with ABC News, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla cautioned that the military threats posed by President Donald Trump towards Cuba could lead to dire consequences. He emphasized the risk of "unimaginable outcomes," such as a "humanitarian catastrophe, genocide, the loss of Cuban and young American lives," and "bloodshed in Cuba."
Conducted by journalist Whit Johnson, the interview was released on Thursday, coinciding with the Trump administration's announcement of new sanctions against GAESA and other Cuban regime entities.
"It seems the U.S. government has chosen a perilous path, one that could result in unimaginable outcomes," remarked Rodríguez, who also noted the lack of progress in U.S.-Cuba discussions.
Rodríguez firmly refused to engage in any discussions about Cuba's internal matters—be it governmental reforms, economic changes, or the release of political prisoners—despite pressure from Washington.
Rising Tensions Amid New Sanctions
The backdrop of Rodríguez's comments is a continuous escalation in tensions. On May 1, Trump signed Executive Order 14404, declaring Cuba a national security threat and hinting that the U.S. might "take Cuba almost immediately" after concluding operations in Iran.
Trump also proposed deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier "within 100 yards of the Cuban coast" to force the regime's surrender, a threat reiterated on May 6.
On the same day, Secretary of State Marco Rubio led a conference at the Southern Command headquarters (SOUTHCOM) in Doral, Florida, posing beside a map of Cuba with the slogan "Peace Through Strength!" Meanwhile, the State Department sent personnel to SOUTHCOM in anticipation of potential conflicts.
Impact of Sanctions on Cuban Economy
The newly announced sanctions on Thursday target the military conglomerate GAESA, its executive chair Ania Guillermina Lastres Morera, the mining company Moa Nickel S.A., along with 12 additional Cuban officials, seven military entities, and three vessels.
Rubio described GAESA as "the core of Cuba's kleptocratic communist system," with assets estimated at over $18 billion and control of 40% to 70% of Cuba's formal economy.
Following the sanctions on Moa Nickel, Canadian company Sherritt International halted all operations in Cuba on the same day.
Since January 2026, Trump's maximum pressure strategy has resulted in over 240 sanctions against the regime and the interception of at least seven oil tankers, slashing the island's energy imports by 80% to 90%, leading to blackouts lasting up to 25 hours daily, severely affecting the population.
Diplomatic Stalemate Deepens
The diplomatic deadlock intensified after a two-week ultimatum expired around April 24, which Washington set demanding the release of high-profile political prisoners like Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and Maykel Osorbo, internet access, and political and economic reforms, all of which the regime refused.
On Thursday, the Cuban Foreign Minister had already labeled the new U.S. sanctions as "collective punishment" with "genocidal intent against the Cuban nation," while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that Washington aims to incite social unrest in Cuba.
Key Questions About U.S.-Cuba Relations
What are the potential consequences of U.S. military threats against Cuba?
The Cuban Foreign Minister warns of unimaginable outcomes, including a humanitarian catastrophe, genocide, and significant loss of life on both sides.
Why did the Trump administration impose new sanctions on Cuba?
The sanctions target entities like GAESA to apply pressure on the Cuban regime, aiming to weaken its economic capabilities and force political change.
How have these sanctions affected the Cuban economy?
Sanctions have significantly reduced energy imports, causing severe blackouts and economic strain on the island.
What has been Cuba's response to U.S. demands for political reform?
Cuba has firmly rejected U.S. demands for political and economic reforms, including the release of political prisoners and improved internet access.