Cuba’s president says island does not wish for US aggression, but ready to fight

AdvertisementCubaWorldAmericasCuba’s president says island does not wish for US aggression, but ready to fightCuba has been bracing for a possible attack following repeated warnings from Trump after he toppled Venezuela’s leader 2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenAssociated PressPublished: 11:35am, 17 Apr 2026Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said Thursday that while Cuba does not want military aggression from the United States, his country is prepared to fight should it happen. Diaz-Canel spoke during a rally that drew hundreds of people to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the declaration of the Cuban Revolution’s socialist essence. “The moment is extremely challenging and calls upon us once again, as on April 16, 1961, to be ready to confront serious threats, including military aggression. We do not want it, but it is our duty to prepare to avoid it and, if it becomes inevitable, to defeat it,” Diaz-Canel said. AdvertisementHe spoke as tensions remain high between the two countries, with Cuba’s crises deepening as a result of a US energy blockade. People hold pictures of late leader Fidel Castro and his brother during celebrations on Thursday. Photo: AFPEarlier this week, Trump said his administration could focus on Cuba after the war in Iran ends. AdvertisementAdvertisementSelect VoiceSelect Speed0.8x0.9x1.0x1.1x1.2x1.5x1.75x00:0000:001.00x