Trending Now - Cuba Prepares Military Measures as U.S. Relations Strain

WHO:

Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister, stated in an interview, "We truly hope that it doesn't occur… and we find no justification [for it] whatsoever" regarding potential military aggression.

Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, great-nephew of Fidel Castro, was involved in secret talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a diplomatic visit in February 2026.

Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister, stated in an interview, "We would be naive, looking at what's happening around the world, if we did not do that."

President Trump stated, "I think I could do whatever I want with it, to tell you the truth," regarding Cuba.

Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister, stated in an interview, "our military is always prepared" but "we don't pose any threat to the United States."

Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, great-nephew of Fidel Castro, was present during President Díaz-Canel's announcement about U.S. talks.

Óscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, grandson of Ángela Castro, became Cuba's deputy prime minister in October 2025.

Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister

Miguel Díaz-Canel, President of Cuba

Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State

Cuba's deputy foreign minister

President Trump

WHAT:

Cuba has been facing island-wide blackouts that can last more than 20 hours a day, exacerbated by a U.S.-imposed blockade on Venezuelan oil shipments.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel stated that any external aggressor would face "impregnable resistance."

Cuba is facing an ongoing energy and humanitarian crisis, with reports indicating that blackouts can last for up to 20 hours a day.

President Trump indicated he would soon have the "honor" of "taking Cuba… in some form."

Cuba has faced island-wide blackouts lasting more than 12 hours due to the ongoing energy crisis.

President Trump declared, "All my life, I've been hearing about the United States and Cuba. When will the United States do it?" during a press conference on March 21st, 2026.

Trump stated, "I mean, whether I free it, take it, I think I can do anything I want with it."

President Trump stated, "I do believe I'll be … having the honour of taking Cuba," during a press conference at the White House.

Trump described Cuba as a "failed nation" on March 21st, 2026.

More than 10 million Cubans experienced a power outage on March 21st, 2026, due to a collapse of the power network.

Cuba is preparing for possible U.S. military aggression.

The Cuban military is on alert due to threats from Trump.

WHERE:

Havana, Cuba

Cuba

WHEN:

President Trump made comments about Cuba during a press conference on March 21st, 2026, and reiterated his intentions on March 7th, 2026.

President Trump made comments about Cuba during a press conference on March 21st, 2026.

Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro was involved in secret talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a diplomatic visit in February 2026.

Formal talks between Cuba and the U.S. were confirmed by President Díaz-Canel on March 21st, 2026.

The situation is developing in March 2026.

WHY:

The U.S. has reportedly insisted that President Díaz-Canel must step down for negotiations to progress, as confirmed by multiple sources.

The U.S. has reportedly insisted that President Díaz-Canel must step down for negotiations to progress.

The U.S. has insisted that President Díaz-Canel must step down for negotiations to progress.

The preparation is a response to threats made by President Trump.

HOW:

Cuba's military is preparing for possible U.S. aggression, as stated by Carlos Fernández de Cossío, who mentioned that the country has "historically been ready to mobilize."

Fernández de Cossío mentioned that Cuba has "historically been ready to mobilize" in response to potential military aggression.

Cuba is relying on natural gas, solar power, and oil reserves to run thermoelectric plants, but these have not met demand, leading to an unstable electricity grid.

Cuba is facing an ongoing energy and humanitarian crisis exacerbated by a U.S.-imposed blockade on Venezuelan oil shipments.

Cuba's military is taking measures to prepare for potential military action.

(UPDATED March 23, 2026 03:58 UTC)

Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío expressed hope that military aggression would not occur, emphasizing that there is no justification for such actions, as Cuba faces severe blackouts lasting over 20 hours a day due to a U.S.-imposed blockade on Venezuelan oil shipments. President Trump made comments regarding Cuba during a press conference on March 21, reiterating that Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel must step down for negotiations to move forward, while Díaz-Canel warned that any external aggressor would encounter "impregnable resistance." In response to these tensions, Cuba's military is reportedly preparing for potential U.S. aggression, with Fernández de Cossío noting that the country has historically been ready to mobilize.

(UPDATED March 22, 2026 23:17 UTC)

In a press conference on March 21, President Trump expressed confidence in his ability to influence Cuba, stating, "I think I could do whatever I want with it, to tell you the truth," as the island grapples with a severe energy and humanitarian crisis, where blackouts can last up to 20 hours a day. Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío emphasized the need for readiness in the face of potential military aggression, noting that Cuba has "historically been ready to mobilize." Reports indicate that the U.S. is insisting on the resignation of President Díaz-Canel as a prerequisite for any negotiations to move forward.

(UPDATED March 22, 2026 21:11 UTC)

Cuba is currently grappling with island-wide blackouts lasting over 12 hours due to an ongoing energy crisis, as the country struggles to meet demand with its reliance on natural gas, solar power, and oil reserves. During a press conference on March 21, President Trump expressed his long-standing interest in U.S.-Cuba relations, questioning when the United States would take action and asserting, "I think I can do anything I want with it." Meanwhile, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío emphasized that while their military is always prepared, they do not pose any threat to the United States.

(UPDATED March 22, 2026 17:15 UTC)

In a press conference at the White House, Trump expressed his belief that he would soon have the honor of taking Cuba, which he labeled a "failed nation" just a day earlier. This comes as more than 10 million Cubans faced a power outage on March 21, due to a collapse of the power network, amid ongoing energy and humanitarian crises worsened by a U.S. blockade on Venezuelan oil shipments. Meanwhile, Cuban President Díaz-Canel confirmed formal talks with the U.S., although the U.S. insists that he must step down for negotiations to move forward.

(UPDATED March 22, 2026 15:01 UTC)

Cuba's deputy foreign minister announced that the Cuban military is on high alert in response to threats made by President Trump, as the country prepares for possible U.S. military aggression. This situation is developing today, March 22, 2026, with Cuba taking measures to ready its forces for potential military action. The heightened state of readiness reflects the escalating tensions between the two nations.