Díaz‑Canel Says Cuba Will Not Seek Conflict With U.S. But Will Defend Itself If Attacked

HAVANA — Cuban President Miguel Díaz‑Canel said Thursday that Cuba does not want military aggression from the United States but is prepared to confront and defeat any attack should one occur.

People attend a celebration marking the 65th anniversary of the proclamation declaring the Cuban Revolution socialist, in Havana, Cuba, Thursday, April 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Speaking at a rally attended by hundreds to mark the 65th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution’s declaration of its socialist character, Díaz‑Canel warned that the current moment is “extremely challenging” and invoked the need for readiness in the face of serious threats.

People attend a celebration marking the 65th anniversary of the proclamation declaring the Cuban Revolution socialist, in Havana, Cuba, Thursday, April 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)

“We do not want it, but it is our duty to prepare to avoid it and, if it becomes inevitable, to defeat it,” Díaz‑Canel said.

Rising Tensions and Accusations

The remarks come amid heightened tensions between Havana and Washington. The Cuban government describes recent measures by the U.S. as an intensified economic and energy blockade that has worsened shortages on the island. Díaz‑Canel described Cuba as a “besieged state” facing “multidimensional aggression” including economic warfare and restrictions on energy supplies.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, center, attends a celebration marking the 65th anniversary of the proclamation declaring the Cuban Revolution socialist, in Havana, Cuba, Thursday, April 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Earlier this week, former U.S. President Donald Trump said his administration could turn its attention to Cuba after a war in Iran ends, adding that the island is a “failing nation” and has been “terribly run” for years. The AP report referenced past U.S. actions and discussions that, according to critics, have disrupted oil shipments to Cuba and applied pressure through sanctions.

Militiaman Rene Hernandez Delgado holds a photo of his younger self during a celebrations marking the 65th anniversary of the proclamation declaring the Cuban Revolution socialist, in Havana, Cuba, Thursday, April 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Domestic Impact and Humanitarian Concerns

Díaz‑Canel highlighted social achievements credited to the revolution — including free education that trained thousands of professionals — while acknowledging that many have emigrated amid mounting hardship. He and outside experts warn that measures limiting oil imports from suppliers such as Venezuela, Mexico and Russia have aggravated a five‑year economic downturn that began with the COVID‑19 pandemic and was deepened by tighter U.S. sanctions.

Cubans have experienced extended blackouts, fuel shortages and other strains on everyday life, prompting experts to warn of a potential humanitarian crisis if conditions deteriorate further.

Diplomacy Ongoing but Details Sparse

Both Havana and Washington have confirmed that talks have taken place to ease tensions, but officials have not disclosed details. At the rally, Díaz‑Canel dismissed portrayals of Cuba as a failed state and insisted that, thanks to socialism, the country “resists, creates, and will prevail.”

The event also commemorated a 1950s‑era speech by Fidel Castro during a crisis with the United States that set Cuba’s long‑standing ideological stance and resistance to Washington’s influence in the region.