In a candid interview with Mexican news outlet Milenio, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío underscored the importance of taking seriously the repeated mentions by U.S. politicians and media regarding potential military action against Cuba. Speaking with journalist Horacio Besson, he warned against the naivety and irresponsibility of dismissing these threats.
"Given Cuba's history and the global context, it would be naive and irresponsible for the Cuban government not to take seriously the frequent references from U.S. politicians and media, whether they appear as leaks or speculations. We must treat these with utmost seriousness," Fernández de Cossío stated.
Regional Peace at Risk
The deputy minister pointed out that any aggression could jeopardize "peace in Cuba" and "peace in the region," attributing these threats to "radically anti-Cuban sectors in the United States" and various "spokespeople."
Diplomatic Stalemate Amid Sanctions
While acknowledging that formal diplomatic ties exist between the two countries and that high-level communications have occurred, Fernández de Cossío noted a lack of progress. He attributed this to the continuous imposition of sanctions by Washington, remarking, "Every 10 days or two weeks, the United States announces new aggressive measures penalizing the Cuban population as a whole." He highlighted the challenge of advancing dialogue under such persistent hostility.
Refusal to Compromise on Sovereignty
The Cuban official made it clear that the island nation is unwilling to negotiate its internal political system with the United States or any other government. However, he expressed a willingness to engage in discussions on legitimate bilateral issues, emphasizing a serious and responsible approach to matters requiring regional cooperation.
Heightened Tensions under Trump
The statements come amid escalating tensions. In 2026, the Trump administration labeled Cuba an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to national security, resulting in over 240 sanctions against entities and individuals tied to the regime. In May, Trump announced that the U.S. would "take Cuba almost immediately," followed by leaked contingency plans from the Pentagon in subsequent months.
On September 25, CBS News revealed an internal U.S. Army document assessing the readiness of Reserve units for deployment to the Southern Command within 90 to 120 days, linking it to plans concerning Cuba despite not naming the island explicitly. The next day, Trump ruled out immediate military action, expressing a preference for "a deal," a stance the State Department neither confirmed nor denied.
Continued Public Discourse
This interview with Milenio is part of a series of public appearances by Fernández de Cossío, maintaining a consistent narrative. On September 29, he asserted Cuba's intention to defend itself independently and distanced the nation from Venezuela, deeming "ally" too strong a term. In July, he warned that any intervention would not be straightforward and would result in casualties on both sides.
Expert Brian Fonseca from the Cuban Studies Institute at Florida International University suggested that these military plan leaks could be more about exerting political and psychological pressure on Havana than indicating imminent action.
"These are bilateral issues we are willing to discuss seriously and responsibly with the U.S. government," Fernández de Cossío concluded, signaling openness to dialogue on specific topics while firmly upholding Cuba's political sovereignty.
Understanding U.S.-Cuba Relations in 2026
What has been the recent stance of the U.S. towards Cuba?
Under the Trump administration, Cuba was labeled as an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to national security, leading to over 240 sanctions. This has heightened tensions between the two nations.
How has Cuba responded to potential U.S. military threats?
Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío emphasized the seriousness with which Cuba views these threats, expressing a commitment to defending the country independently.
Are there any signs of progress in U.S.-Cuba diplomatic relations?
Despite formal diplomatic ties and high-level communications, little progress has been made, largely due to ongoing sanctions imposed by the United States.