HAVANA: Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel says his country is "not afraid of war" and will never give up its sovereignty, responding directly to repeated military threats and pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump.
In an interview with journalist Yalda Hakim, Díaz-Canel said Cuba "is not a threat to anybody" and emphasized that his government wants peaceful relations but will defend the country's independence if challenged.
The Cuban leader rejected suggestions that Havana poses a security threat to the United States, arguing that Cuba has consistently respected the sovereignty of other nations while expecting the same in return.
His remarks come after months of heightened tensions between Washington and Havana. The Trump administration has tightened sanctions, increased political pressure on the Cuban government, and repeatedly warned that military options remain available, even as U.S. officials say there are currently no imminent plans for military action.
Díaz-Canel stressed that Cuba would not bow to external pressure or abandon its political system, saying the country's sovereignty is non-negotiable. While reaffirming a preference for dialogue, he insisted Cuba is prepared to defend itself if necessary.
The exchange reflects the sharp deterioration in U.S.-Cuba relations under the Trump administration, with sanctions, diplomatic tensions and security concerns continuing to dominate ties between the two countries.