The Cuban President sent a warning to Trump.

15:07, Thu, Apr 16, 2026 Updated: 16:01, Thu, Apr 16, 2026

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Cuba's President has urged his people to "get ready" for a US invasion, warning President Donald Trump that his country will defeat the Americans.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said today (April 16) that among the "absolutely challenging" issues the island is experiencing, there is also the threat of a US invasion, Correo del Sur reported.

The same newspaper also wrote that Díaz-Canel made these statements at the commemorative event for the anniversary of the declaration of the Cuban revolution, which turns 65 at a time of "special tension" with the United States.

The president urged Cubans to "be ready" to fight against an invasion and said: "We don't want it, but it is our duty to prepare to prevent it and, if it is inevitable, to win."

Meanwhile, in the States, USA Today News said: "military planning for a possible Pentagon-led operation in Cuba is quietly ramping up". This information came after two sources familiar with the order spoke to USA Today on condition of anonymity because they're not authorised to speak to the media.

Tensions between the two country began in January when the Trump administration stopped oil shipments to the island. The US blockade on energy has led to shortages on the island, affecting healthcare, transport and its economy. Cuba produces 40% of the fuel it consumes, and it stopped receiving vital oil shipments from Venezuela after the US military attacked the South American country in January.

Earlier this week, on April 13, Trump told USA TODAY at the White House, “We may stop by Cuba after we’re finished with this,” referring to the ongoing war with Iran.

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Cuban President Díaz-Canel said on Sunday (April 12) that the US has no valid reason to carry out a military attack against his country or to attempt to depose him. He added: "If the time comes, I don’t think there would be any justification for the United States to launch a military aggression against Cuba, or for the US to undertake a surgical operation or the kidnapping of a president.

"If that happens, there will be fighting and there will be a struggle and we will defend ourselves and if we need to die, we’ll die, because as our national anthem says, 'Dying for the homeland is to live'."