Cuba prepares for military defense after Donald Trump threatens intervention

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel announced on November 13, 2026, that Cuba is preparing to reject any foreign military aggression. The president made these remarks during the National Defense Day held in the Boyeros municipality, located south of Havana. These preparations follow recent statements by United States President Donald Trump regarding the possibility of military intervention in the nation.

Military readiness and exercises

President Miguel Díaz-Canel stated that Cuba is strengthening its defense system to reject any attempt at foreign military aggression. To maintain readiness, the Cuban government conducts military preparation exercises every Friday. Additionally, the Moncada Strategic Exercise was conducted at a national level during the week prior to November 13, 2026.

The Cuban defense strategy includes providing basic military training to civilians under the People's War strategy. This approach aims to bolster national defense against external threats. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between the two nations regarding sovereignty and regional stability.

United States policy and pressure

United States President Donald Trump expressed his intention to resolve the situation in Cuba before the end of his mandate in 2029. During a Salem News Channel interview on November 12, 2026, Donald Trump stated that he would consider using military force against Cuba. The United States president also described Cuba as an essentially failed state and claimed to have broad support from the Cuban-American community in Florida.

The United States has increased pressure on the Cuban government since January 2026 through sanctions and oil supply restrictions. The United States administration has also increased demands for political and economic reforms in Cuba. In response, Cuba has accused Washington of conducting a diplomatic offensive to prevent other countries from supporting Cuban resolutions.

Internal political shifts in Cuba

The Cuban government is experiencing internal political changes alongside the external diplomatic tension. Three provincial governors in Cuba resigned during the week of November 10, 2026. Under the current Cuban political system, the president proposes candidates for governor and vice-governor, who are then elected by councilors for five-year terms.

These resignations occur as the nation faces significant economic and geopolitical challenges. The relationship between the two nations remains strained as the United States continues to apply economic, commercial, and financial pressure. Cuba has been seeking the lifting of an economic, commercial, and financial embargo since 1992.

Glossary

• Havana — Havana is the capital of Cuba. It is a municipality located in the country.
• National Defense Day — An annual event held in a specific location. It is used to mark the occasion of national defense.
• failed state — A term used to describe a state's condition. It is a label applied to certain nations in political discussions.
• sanctions — Measures used to apply pressure on a government. They can include economic, commercial, and financial restrictions.
• diplomatic offensive — A type of action conducted by a government. It is used to prevent other countries from supporting specific resolutions.