Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Announces Military Preparations Following US President Donald Trump Statements

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel announced on November 14, 2026, that Cuba is preparing for possible military aggression from the United States. The announcement was made during National Defense Day in Cuba. This move follows recent statements by US President Donald Trump, who expressed a willingness to use military force to resolve the situation in Cuba before his term ends in January 2029.

Heightened Tensions and Military Readiness

The Cuban government has been conducting weekly military preparation days every Friday due to increased tensions with the United States. This heightened readiness follows the Moncada Strategic Exercise, which the Cuban government conducted during the week prior to November 13, 2026. President Miguel Díaz-Canel stated that Cuba is determined to reject any attempt at foreign military aggression and is strengthening its defense system.

The political climate in Cuba has become increasingly volatile. During the week of November 10, 2026, three provincial governors in Cuba resigned from their positions. According to one source, the Cuban president proposes candidates for governor and vice-governor who are then elected by councilors for five-year terms.

US Policy and Economic Sanctions

The US government has implemented oil restrictions and various sanctions against Cuba since the beginning of 2026. The US administration has signaled a desire for political and economic changes in Cuba and a distancing of Havana from China and Russia. According to one source, the US administration's pressure on Cuba followed a military intervention in Venezuela. Additionally, one source stated that the US President mentioned wanting to resolve the Cuba issue after the war against Iran.

During a Thursday interview with Salem News Channel, US President Donald Trump stated that he would consider using military force to resolve the situation in Cuba. US President Donald Trump also expressed the view that Cuba is essentially a failed state. The US government continues to maintain pressure on the island, which is located 150 kilometers from the coast of Florida and has an estimated population of over 9 million people.

The history of economic friction between the two nations is long-standing. Cuba has been requesting the lifting of its economic, commercial, and financial embargo since 1992.

Glossary

• provincial governors — The provincial governors are representatives of the central government in Kabul and are responsible for all administrative and formal issues within their provinces. In Cuba, the president proposes candidates for governor and vice-governor who are then elected by councilors for five-year terms.
• councilors — In Cuba, councilors elect the president's proposed candidates for governor and vice-governor for five-year terms.