US does not rule out military intervention in Cuba, says Secretary of War

The United States has not ruled out military intervention in Cuba as a strategy to secure American strategic interests, according to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

During a press conference in Panama, Hegseth clarified that Washington is considering multiple options, including military ones, to restore order and democracy on the island. "Havana would do well to pay attention to President Trump's will to assert American strategic prerogatives," Hegseth stated, emphasizing the unparalleled power of the United States in the hemisphere. He also downplayed the influence of external powers like China and Russia, describing their involvement as "quite insignificant."

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Havana would do well to pay attention to President Trump's will to assert American strategic prerogatives.

Hegseth specifically mentioned Russia, Cuba, Iran, and Venezuela, suggesting these nations understand the current balance of power, particularly within the Americas. "The Russians, Cubans, Iranians, and Venezuela... The way these countries have approached the United States and the Coalition against Cartels of the Americas (A3C) shows they understand where the balance of power lies, especially in this hemisphere. And that, undoubtedly, applies to Cuba," he said.

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The Russians, Cubans, Iranians, and Venezuela... The way these countries have approached the United States and the Coalition against Cartels of the Americas (A3C) shows they understand where the balance of power lies, especially in this hemisphere. And that, undoubtedly, applies to Cuba.

These remarks follow President Donald Trump's recent statements indicating a potential rapprochement between Cuba and Washington after decades of diplomatic distance. This shift in tone occurred shortly after the U.S. Treasury Department officially announced a new package of sanctions against Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel. Despite expressing a willingness for dialogue, Trump had previously, in June, raised the possibility of military intervention, drawing parallels with actions taken in Venezuela and Iran. He noted the difference in resources, stating, "The difference is that Venezuela has oil, Cuba does not. Cuba has good properties and a beautiful coastline."

The Cuban government has reportedly shown a willingness to engage in dialogue with Washington. Trump highlighted this disposition, suggesting it could pave the way for renewed engagement between the two nations.

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The difference is that Venezuela has oil, Cuba does not. Cuba has good properties and a beautiful coastline.