Four Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives expressed their opposition on Monday to any potential military action against Cuba. They urged President Donald Trump's administration to renew diplomatic efforts with Havana following a four-day fact-finding mission on the island.
Representatives Mark Pocan of Wisconsin, Teresa Leger Fernández from New Mexico, Delia C. Ramírez of Illinois, and Maxine Dexter of Oregon returned to Washington after visiting Cuba from July 9 to July 13.
Upon their return, they issued a joint statement expressing concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Cuba and questioning the White House's policy of maximum pressure.
The statement also addressed the possibility of military confrontation between the two countries. "The Trump administration has not provided any evidence that Cuba poses an immediate threat to U.S. national security or our interests, both domestically and internationally," the lawmakers asserted.
They warned that "any pretext used to launch an illegal, unauthorized, and unpopular military operation against the island would exacerbate a severe humanitarian disaster, needlessly endanger U.S. military personnel, and harm the very people we claim to support."
Meetings with Cuban Government Representatives
The lawmakers' stance became known shortly after concluding their visit, which included discussions with Cuban government officials, business leaders, religious figures, and various societal sectors.
On July 11, Miguel Díaz-Canel met with the representatives at the Palace of the Revolution, accompanied by Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla and Deputy Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío.
The Cuban Presidency reported that during their stay, the lawmakers toured several sites in Havana and "engaged with different sectors of society."
The regime claimed that this experience allowed them to "witness the harmful effects of the economic blockade," a term they use for the U.S. embargo, and discussed opportunities for fostering a "respectful" relationship between the two nations.
Calls to Ease U.S. Sanctions
Upon returning to the U.S., the lawmakers described the situation in Cuba as a "silent Gaza," a term Mark Pocan attributed to a Cuban individual he spoke with during the trip.
They called for lifting U.S. sanctions, resuming negotiations with Havana, and facilitating the entry of medicines and medical equipment. They argued that economic pressure measures worsen the humanitarian crisis and contribute to the difficulties faced by the Cuban population.
This marks the second visit by Democratic lawmakers to Cuba in less than four months. In April, Díaz-Canel hosted Representatives Pramila Jayapal and Jonathan Jackson, who also criticized Washington's sanctions.
Tensions Rise Amid Drone Concerns
The lawmakers' statement was released the same day President Donald Trump warned that the U.S. would act if reports of Iranian military drones being stored in Cuba were confirmed.
"If they have them, and they very well might, we'll take care of it soon. We're not going to have an issue. We're not going to let it happen," Trump stated when asked about intelligence reports indicating that such attack systems might be present on the island.
Trump further clarified that the matter is under investigation. "It could be that they're storing some. We're looking into it now. It could be so, and maybe it's not," he said, mentioning that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is directly involved in monitoring the situation.
The president's remarks come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and after various intelligence reports suggested that since 2023, Cuba has received over 300 Iranian and Russian-made military drones, including Shahed-136 models capable of striking targets hundreds of kilometers away.
While the lawmakers argue that there is no evidence of Cuba posing an immediate threat to U.S. security and oppose any military intervention, the Trump administration continues to investigate possible military cooperation between Havana and Iran, reiterating that it will not allow the island to be used as a platform to jeopardize U.S. security.
Key Questions About U.S.-Cuba Relations
Why are U.S. lawmakers opposed to military action against Cuba?
U.S. lawmakers oppose military action against Cuba because they believe it would worsen the humanitarian crisis, endanger U.S. military personnel, and harm the Cuban people.
What did the lawmakers observe during their visit to Cuba?
During their visit, lawmakers observed the effects of the U.S. embargo on Cuba and engaged with various sectors of Cuban society, noting the challenges faced by the population.
What is the current stance of the Trump administration regarding Cuba and Iran?
The Trump administration is investigating potential military cooperation between Cuba and Iran and has stated it will not allow Cuba to be used as a platform to threaten U.S. security.