Key facts
- Cuba is experiencing a nearly five-month US oil blockade.
- US intelligence suggests Cuba has acquired 300 military drones from Russia and Iran.
- US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a warning regarding Cuban weapon procurement.
- Cuba's president threatened a severe response to any US military action.
- The upcoming World Cup is viewed by some as a potential deterrent to US military action.
- Protests have occurred in Havana due to prolonged electricity blackouts.
Cuba is facing increased pressure from the United States, including a prolonged oil blockade and heightened military surveillance, amidst concerns of potential military action. The island's government has reportedly acquired military drones from Russia and Iran, prompting warnings from US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. President Miguel Díaz-Canel has vowed a severe response to any US assault, drawing parallels to the 1962 missile crisis due to Cuba's proximity to the US.
Amidst these tensions, the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with several matches scheduled in Miami, is being viewed by some as a potential deterrent to US military action, offering a possible respite. This theory suggests that the global attention on the tournament would make a military intervention politically difficult for the US. However, the US has continued its surveillance activities, and legal actions, such as an indictment against former President Raúl Castro, are also occurring.
Domestically, Cuba is grappling with severe electricity blackouts, leading to protests in Havana. The government's response includes increased police presence. Some Cubans express cynicism about the international focus on their country, suggesting that invasion might only occur if the government faces significant internal unrest.