Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel warned that any U.S. military action against Cuba would lead to 'bloodshed' and create an unprecedented crisis for regional peace and stability. He made the statement on social media platform X, emphasizing that Cuba poses no threat to anyone. His remarks followed a report by U.S. outlet Axios, which cited classified intelligence alleging that Cuba had acquired over 300 military drones and discussed potential attacks on the U.S. naval base at Guantánamo Bay, American warships, and Key West in Florida.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez separately stated that Cuba has the legitimate right to self-defense under the UN Charter and international law. He accused those seeking to attack Cuba of using false pretexts to justify their actions. The tensions come amid severe energy shortages in Cuba following the U.S. suspension of fuel supplies after the arrest of Venezuela’s president in January.

Relations between the two countries have further deteriorated after reports that U.S. prosecutors plan to indict former Cuban leader Raúl Castro over the 1996 downing of two humanitarian aircraft operated by Brothers to the Rescue.