Havana says Washington is fabricating a security threat over drones and ties with Russia and Iran to justify tougher sanctions and possible military action.
The Cuban government has accused the United States of fabricating allegations against Havana as a pretext for possible military aggression, citing growing U.S. concern over Cuba’s drone capabilities and deepening ties with Russia and Iran.
The accusation followed recent U.S. media reports that American intelligence agencies were assessing what they described as an emerging security threat linked to Cuba’s acquisition of military drones.
According to those reports, U.S. officials fear Havana may be expanding military cooperation with countries considered strategic rivals of Washington, including Russia and Iran.
“Washington is manufacturing a fraudulent case against Cuba to justify tougher sanctions and increased pressure on the Caribbean nation.”
— Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Cuban Foreign Minister
Cuba, however, dismissed the claims as politically motivated and part of a long-standing campaign to isolate the communist-led island. The government said the allegations were exaggerated to create fear and lay the groundwork for additional punitive measures.
The dispute marks a fresh escalation in already strained U.S.-Cuba relations, coming amid worsening economic hardship on the island and renewed geopolitical rivalry between major global powers.
Analysts say tensions have intensified in recent months following stricter U.S. sanctions, worsening fuel shortages in Cuba, and sharper diplomatic hostilities.
The Cuba government has repeatedly accused Washington of fueling economic suffering through decades-old embargoes and restrictive measures. Washington maintains that its policies are aimed at promoting democracy and human rights.
The latest row emerged after reports claimed Cuba had expanded its drone programme with external support, raising concerns in Washington over potential threats near strategic U.S. facilities, including the Guantanamo Bay naval base.
Observers note the war of words comes at a delicate moment in international relations, as global polarization deepens between Western powers and countries aligned with Russia and China.
