Cuba accused the US of preparing a 'fabricated pretext' for military intervention: the island's residents are ready to defend themselves.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla stated that Washington is deliberately creating a "false dossier" that could be used as justification for a military operation. The reason for this was a publication in the American newspaper Axios that Havana allegedly acquired attack drones capable of striking targets in Florida, according to the report. Air forceCuba warned that a possible US military operation would result in a "bloody massacre," it added. Reuters.

Rodriguez emphasized that Cuba "does not threaten or desire war." Axios previously reported, citing classified intelligence, that the country possesses approximately 300 drones and is discussing the possibility of striking targets in the United States.

The island is experiencing a severe fuel crisis, exacerbated by a de facto US oil blockade. At the same time, the Donald Trump administration is increasing pressure on Havana, demanding an agreement on US terms.

On the subject: The US has allowed a Russian oil tanker to reach Cuba despite the blockade.

Trump has already suggested the possibility of a forceful scenario similar to the operation against Nicolás Maduro, whom American forces previously captured in Caracas.

According to Axios, Cuba is considering hypothetical targets for drone strikes, including the U.S. base at Guantanamo Bay, warships in the region, and even the Key West area in Florida. The publication also cites a U.S. official who described this intelligence as a potential pretext for military intervention. Furthermore, it claims that Iranian military advisers may be stationed in Havana.

Iranian drones have become a key tool in modern conflicts in recent years, both in the Middle East and in Ukraine.

"Without any legal basis, the US government is day after day fabricating a narrative to justify a brutal economic war against the Cuban people and possible military aggression," Rodriguez wrote on social media. He added that some media outlets are "playing along with this narrative" by disseminating leaks and innuendos originating from the US government itself.

He added that Cuba does not seek war, but is preparing for “external aggression” and self-defense.

Meanwhile, the US Treasury Department announced new sanctions against Cuban intelligence officials and nine Cuban citizens, including the ministers of communications, energy, and justice. Restrictions also targeted senior Communist Party officials and high-ranking military officers.

Negotiations between Havana and Washington to reduce tensions have been ongoing for several months, but the situation is rapidly deteriorating. Russian oil was allowed into Cuba only once, but in early May, even that ran out.

Rolling power outages are occurring across Cuba, affecting hospitals, pumping stations, public transportation, and utilities. Fuel shortages are exacerbating food and medicine shortages.

This has already led to rare but noticeable protests against the authorities, who are failing to cope with the degradation of the infrastructure.

Previously, Cuba partially offset the impact of Western sanctions by supporting its allies, primarily the Maduro government in Venezuela. Before its capture by American forces, Caracas supplied the island with approximately 35,000 barrels of oil per day.

Now, it appears the Trump administration is ratcheting up the pressure. According to The New York Times, the US is increasing reconnaissance flights near Cuba and preparing to strengthen its military presence in the region.

During a visit to Havana, CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated that Cuba "must not remain a safe haven for US adversaries in the Western Hemisphere."

His talks with Cuban officials came as reports emerged that the United States might bring charges against Raul Castro, who took over the country after his brother, Fidel Castro, overthrew the pro-American government in 1959.

It was the federal charges against Maduro (specifically, drug trafficking charges) that served as the formal basis for the US operation in Caracas, during which the president and his wife, Cilia Flores, were detained. They are currently awaiting trial in New York.

In the lead-up to that operation, Trump repeatedly stated that the Maduro regime posed a threat to the United States, and at that time a significant American military force was being concentrated in the region.

After the capture of the Venezuelan leader, Trump directly hinted that “Cuba is next” and spoke of the “honor of taking on Cuba.”

In his regional policy, Trump increasingly appeals to the Monroe Doctrine of 1823, according to which the United States views the Western Hemisphere as its exclusive sphere of interest. He himself calls this approach the "Monroe Doctrine."

Compared with previous administrations, Trump's team has shown significantly greater interest in Latin America and the region's left-wing governments, with whom it has fundamental ideological differences.

Meanwhile, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said any US military intervention would lead to a "bloody massacre" with unpredictable consequences for stability in the region.

"Cuba does not pose a threat," he wrote on social media.

On the streets of Havana, many residents, despite the dire economic situation, speak of their readiness to resist.

"Cuba is a strong country. Cubans are brave; we won't be caught off guard. If they come, we'll have to fight—we'll respond. Even if the country is starving, it will still respond. It's better if they don't come—there will be a fight," said 57-year-old Sandra Roso.

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Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla stated that Cuba, like any state, has the right to legitimate self-defense in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.

Some residents are calling for negotiations. "It's wrong for the US to invade Cuba, and it's wrong for Cuba to attack the US. We need to negotiate. But in any case, Cuba will defend itself—the country will not surrender," said 58-year-old Havana resident Ulises Medina.

"The Cuban people won't allow anyone to interfere in their lives. We know how to defend ourselves—even with sticks and stones," says 87-year-old Havana resident Jorge Villalobos.

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