WASHINGTON/HAVANA June 9, 2026 – Cuba’s top diplomat to the United States has described recent American sanctions on the island’s leadership — including the high-profile indictment of former President Raúl Castro — as a deliberate “pretext” to build domestic support for possible military action against Havana.
In an interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday, Ambassador Lianys Torres Rivera stated that the measures are designed to portray Cuba as a threat to the American public. “The sanctions against our leaders, we see as a pretext to make the American people think we are a threat,” she said.
The accusations come amid a sharp intensification of U.S. pressure on Cuba under President Donald Trump’s second term. Key developments include:
- Indictment of Raúl Castro: In May 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice charged the 94-year-old former leader (who served as defense minister in 1996) with murder, conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals, and destruction of aircraft over the downing of two Brothers to the Rescue planes. Trump hailed the move as a “very important moment” for Cuban exiles.
- Energy Blockade and Secondary Sanctions: Following the U.S. intervention in Venezuela earlier this year, Washington cut off Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba and imposed tariffs on countries supplying fuel to the island. Executive Order 14404, signed May 1, expanded secondary sanctions on foreign entities operating in Cuba’s energy, defense, mining, financial, and security sectors.
- Sanctions on Leadership: Recent designations targeted Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and regime-linked entities.
- Trump’s Rhetoric: The president has repeatedly floated the idea of a “friendly takeover” of Cuba, stating the island is “running on fumes” due to economic collapse and suggesting regime change could occur with or without Havana’s cooperation.
Cuba has denied posing any threat to the U.S. and released updated civil defense guides to households, outlining preparations for a potential “military attack,” including emergency kits, shelter locations, and basic first aid.
Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez and other officials have accused Washington of constructing a “fraudulent case” for intervention, drawing parallels to past U.S. actions. Military drills, including artillery exercises, have also been reported.
The long-standing U.S. embargo, tightened under Trump, has exacerbated Cuba’s severe economic crisis, marked by fuel shortages, blackouts, and food scarcity. Havana maintains that the measures primarily harm civilians rather than the government.
No imminent U.S. military operation has been confirmed, but analysts note the sequence — sanctions, indictments, naval presence in the Caribbean, and public statements — mirrors elements of the recent Venezuela campaign.
The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic channels strained and humanitarian concerns rising on the island. Further developments are expected as the Trump administration continues its hardline approach toward Cuba.
About The Author
