On Wednesday, Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla placed responsibility squarely on the United States for the worsening economic crisis engulfing the island, asserting that the Cuban government is prepared to defend itself "even with weapons" should they face military aggression.
Addressing the National Assembly of People's Power, Rodríguez highlighted the increasingly challenging international climate in which Cuba must safeguard its interests, describing the situation as "extremely dangerous." His comments followed closely on the heels of a recent speech by Miguel Díaz-Canel on July 26, where he again attributed Cuba's primary economic and social struggles to the U.S. embargo.
Cuban Government's Preparedness for Military Aggression
In a significant turn during his address, Rodríguez issued a warning regarding how Cuba might respond to a potential military attack.
"We have the duty and the right to reject and confront aggression that punishes and threatens us, and we have the supreme right and duty to defend ourselves, even with weapons, if we are militarily attacked," he declared to the assembly, as reported by the state media outlet Cubadebate.
Despite his stern warning, Rodríguez maintained that Havana does not seek confrontation with Washington.
"Cuba does not pose a threat to the United States, nor does it wish to be its adversary or enemy," he stated, reiterating the regime's willingness to engage in bilateral dialogue "on the basis of mutual respect."
Accusations Against U.S. Economic Strategy
Rodríguez accused Washington of executing a "sinister and well-designed plan" aimed at suffocating the Cuban economy by cutting off sources of financing, access to markets, technology, and essential supplies, including food and medicine.
He further alleged the existence of a supposed "total energy blockade" in place since January 2026.
"These significant limitations, combined with the total energy blockade, have been in effect since January this year, using all means to virtually prevent the importation not only of fuels but also components and parts, including solar panels, and all inputs or technology associated with power generation," he stated.
Criticism of U.S. Reports and Humanitarian Aid
The Foreign Minister also criticized a recent U.S. State Department report on Cuba, labeling it as "superficial, petty, and inconsistent," and accused Washington of attempting to "criminalize sympathy for the Cuban Revolution."
He downplayed the humanitarian aid offered by the United States, claiming its value barely equates to the economic impact generated by five days of the embargo. Rodríguez also accused Washington of hindering assistance provided by the World Food Program.
"The true goal and inclination of the U.S. government are not manifested through dialogue or diplomacy, nor through the offer of aid, but through coercion and the effort to impose the harshest possible punishment on the Cuban people to force their surrender," he asserted.
Context of Increasing Sanctions
Rodríguez's remarks come amid escalating pressure from Washington on Havana.
On May 1, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14404, broadening the legal framework for imposing sanctions on strategic sectors of the Cuban economy, including energy, defense, and finance. Subsequently, on June 4, the U.S. personally sanctioned Miguel Díaz-Canel, and on July 23, extended measures against nine entities linked to the energy sector, among them CEINPET, ENERSA, and EINARBO.
As a testament to its international support, the regime highlighted the vote held on July 7 at the United Nations General Assembly, where 136 countries favored a debate on the consequences of the U.S. embargo, while nine opposed it.
Impact of Crisis on Cuban Population
The Cuban government's accusations stand in stark contrast to the severe hardships faced by the island's population.
According to data provided by Miguel Díaz-Canel in his July 26 speech, over 100,000 surgeries remain pending due to power outages and fuel shortages; approximately 118,000 cancer patients lack access to first-line treatments, and by April 2026, more than 70% of essential medications were absent from state pharmacies.
While the regime attributes this deterioration to the tightening of U.S. sanctions, economists and independent analysts argue that the crisis also stems from long-standing structural issues, including decades of centralized management, low productivity, and a lack of economic reforms.
Understanding the Cuban Economic Crisis and U.S. Sanctions
What are the main causes of the economic crisis in Cuba?
The Cuban economic crisis is attributed to both external factors, such as U.S. sanctions, and internal issues like decades of centralized economic management, low productivity, and a lack of reforms.
How has the U.S. government intensified its pressure on Cuba recently?
Recently, the U.S. has increased pressure on Cuba through Executive Order 14404, which expands sanctions on strategic sectors, and by imposing personal sanctions on key Cuban officials and entities linked to energy.
How has the Cuban government responded to U.S. humanitarian aid?
The Cuban government has minimized U.S. humanitarian aid, claiming it is insufficient compared to the economic damage caused by the embargo, and accused the U.S. of obstructing international aid efforts.