Pentagon Chief Warns Cuba Against Acquiring Weapons Threatening U.S.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth issued a stern warning to Cuba on Thursday, stating that acquiring weapons capable of threatening U.S. territory or the naval base at Guantanamo Bay would be "unwise" and invite a confrontation the island nation could not withstand.

The United States has been increasing pressure on Cuba through various means, including sanctions, a severe oil blockade, and the strategic positioning of warships in the region. Hegseth made these remarks during a visit to the U.S. naval base in Guantanamo Bay, located at the southeastern tip of Cuba.

Recent reports indicate that Cuba has acquired over 300 military drones and is reportedly discussing plans to use them against the Guantanamo base, U.S. warships, and potentially Florida. U.S. officials cited classified information suggesting Cuba has been purchasing attack drones from Russia and Iran since 2023. However, Havana has vehemently denied these allegations, with Cuban officials claiming Washington fabricated the data to justify potential military action.

Sources close to the U.S. president have suggested that Cuba could be an "easy victory" for the U.S., particularly given the island's economic struggles. Meanwhile, U.S. officials have indicated that the Pentagon has already simulated military response plans in anticipation of potential chaos or a government collapse in Cuba, possibly occurring this summer. While President Donald Trump has not authorized a military invasion, the White House strategy reportedly focuses on gradual economic strangulation through sanctions.