Key facts
- President Donald Trump confirmed the US is investigating reports of Iran storing drones in Cuba.
- Trump suggested Iran might also be storing missiles on the island.
- He stated the US would 'deal with it' if the reports are confirmed.
- The US has imposed sanctions on 10 entities linked to the Cuban government.
- An analysis suggests Cuba has incorporated over 300 Russian and Iranian military drones since 2023.
US President Donald Trump confirmed on Monday that the United States is investigating reports suggesting Iran may be storing drones and potentially missiles in Cuba. Responding to questions about an intelligence report, Trump stated, 'If they have them, and it's very possible that they do, we'll take care of it.' He indicated that his administration is also looking into the possibility of Iranian missiles being stored on the island.
Trump did not present any photographic evidence, intelligence documents, or specific details regarding the alleged weaponry. The inquiry was prompted by a journalist from a conservative-aligned media outlet. The president mentioned that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was present, implying the issue was already on the State Department's agenda. Currently, Washington has only confirmed a review of the matter, not the existence of the weapons or an imminent threat.
Cuba has not yet issued a statement regarding these claims. The US has recently intensified pressure on Havana, with the State Department designating 10 entities linked to the Cuban government as part of an initiative to curb its 'malign activities.' These sanctions target fuel trading companies and business groups. In June, sanctions were also imposed on Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, family members, and Colonel Alejandro Castro Espín, who faces a Justice Department indictment related to the 1996 downing of two planes flown by Cuban exiles.
These developments occur amidst ongoing economic challenges for Cuba, including over six decades of embargo and an 'energy blockade' that authorities link to nationwide power outages. An Axios analysis cited by media outlets suggests that Cuba has acquired over 300 Russian and Iranian military drones since 2023, with its armed forces reportedly studying their potential use against US targets. The report also noted that the deployment of these systems was part of years of planning.