US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has clarified Washington's stance regarding Cuba, stating that all options, including military intervention, are currently under consideration.
The Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Hegseth addressed the issue of Cuba during his speech at the "Anti-American Cartel Coalition" (A3C) meeting held in Panama.
The US Defense Secretary expressed his assessment that the Cuban military lacks the capability to offer significant resistance against US military assets. Hegseth emphasized the necessity for the Havana government to heed the demands of the administration of US President Donald Trump, explicitly declaring that all options remain on the table.
During his address, Hegseth also highlighted the United States' security cooperation with regional partners. He noted that Colombia has joined the A3C as its 19th member and is prepared to host the coalition's center. The US official characterized the activities of China, Russia, and Iran in South America as "exploitation." Furthermore, he underscored the strategic importance of the Panama Canal, stating that no actions threatening the security of the waterway would be tolerated.
Tensions between Cuba and the United States have escalated significantly in recent months. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez described the US blockade against his country on July 7 as an "act of war," asserting that it causes severe harm to the Cuban people. Conversely, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has accused the Cuban leadership of driving the country into an economic crisis and has argued that political change is inevitable.
According to reports in the US media, the Pentagon is reviewing potential military scenarios regarding Cuba against the backdrop of ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Hegseth's recent statement has further heightened concerns regarding the possibility of military escalation in Washington-Havana relations.
The United States and Cuba have a long history of strained diplomatic relations, characterized by decades of economic sanctions and ideological conflict. The current administration under US President Donald Trump has maintained a firm stance on regional security, viewing the influence of external powers in the Western Hemisphere as a challenge to US interests.
