The Cuban regime has declared that any alleged plans by Donald Trump's administration to "seize control of Cuba" are destined to fail, as Washington's pressure on Havana continues to mount.
During an extensive interview with the American program Breaking Points, Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío addressed the issue, defending the Cuban government's ability to withstand the pressure strategy from the United States.
The interview was shared on social media by Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official, who summarized Fernández de Cossío's message by asserting that Trump's "plans" to take over Cuba are bound to "fail."
In the discussion, the MINREX deputy minister claimed that Washington aims to "take control of Cuba," though he added, "whatever that means."
U.S. Strategy and Cuban Resistance
According to the diplomat, U.S. policy seeks to exacerbate the hardships faced by the Cuban population to incite internal pressure against the Cuban authorities and potentially topple the regime. However, Fernández de Cossío expressed confidence that this strategy will not achieve its intended outcome.
"It's not going to make the government collapse," he stated, dismissing the notion that Cuban authorities would relinquish their sovereignty or comply with Washington's demands.
Comparisons with Venezuela
The topic resurfaced later in the interview when the hosts discussed recent U.S. actions in Venezuela, questioning Fernández de Cossío if that country might serve as a model for Washington to attempt replicating in Cuba.
"They might try," the deputy minister replied. Nevertheless, he asserted the United States would eventually realize that such an attempt would fail, pointing out the inherent differences between the two nations. "It's a different country, a different reality," he emphasized.
Critique of U.S. Foreign Policy
The diplomat also criticized the foreign policy of the Trump administration and its "peace through strength" doctrine, interpreting it as a strategy aimed at imposing American interests through power and coercion.
These statements arise amid significant pressure from Washington on Havana and a severe economic and energy crisis on the island, whose seriousness Fernández de Cossío openly acknowledged during the interview, attributing it primarily to U.S. sanctions.
Despite acknowledging the gravity of the internal situation, the official insisted that U.S. pressure would not lead to the government's collapse.
Current State of U.S.-Cuba Relations
At another point in the interview, the diplomat revealed that Havana and Washington maintain contact and have held "some meetings," although he clarified that there is currently no permanent dialogue mechanism, describing these exchanges as communication rather than negotiations.
The deputy minister also noted that Cuba is undergoing a social and economic transformation "more profound than at any time since the 1960s," marked by increased market participation and private sector expansion.
He acknowledged that these changes cause concern within Cuban society and admitted that the government is uncertain about the final outcome.
"We don't know what the result will be, but we need to do something to change the current reality," he asserted.
Frequently Asked Questions About U.S.-Cuba Relations
What are the alleged plans of Donald Trump's administration regarding Cuba?
The alleged plans involve taking control of Cuba by increasing pressure on the Cuban government to provoke internal opposition and potentially overthrow the regime.
How did Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío respond to these alleged plans?
Carlos Fernández de Cossío stated that such plans are destined to fail and expressed confidence that the Cuban government would not collapse under U.S. pressure.
What are the current dynamics of U.S.-Cuba relations?
Despite significant tensions and the absence of a permanent dialogue mechanism, Havana and Washington maintain some level of contact through sporadic meetings.