Carlos Fernández de Cossío: Cuba 'preparing' for 'possibility of military aggression'

4 articles

4 sources

0% diversity

Updated 22.3.2026

Key Topics & People

Cuba *Carlos Fernandez de Cossio Miguel Diaz-Canel Havana Carlos Fernández de Cossío

Coverage Framing

National Security(1)

Conflict(1)

Economic Impact(1)

Diplomatic(1)

Avg Factuality:77%

Avg Sensationalism:Moderate

Story Timeline

Mar 22 Evening

2 articles|2 sources

cubamilitary aggressionunited statessovereign countryregime change

National Security(1)

Fox News - WorldMar 22

Carlos Fernández de Cossío: Cuba 'preparing' for 'possibility of military aggression'

Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío stated that Cuba is preparing for potential military aggression from the U.S., despite recent signals from the Trump administration suggesting otherwise. Fernández de Cossío emphasized that Cuba hopes military action will not occur but feels it is necessary to prepare given global circumstances. His remarks follow President Trump's comments about "taking Cuba" and Secretary of State Rubio's focus on diplomacy. Cuba opposes regime change and asserts its right to sovereignty and self-determination. Fernández de Cossío stated that Cuba does not know what the U.S. is talking about when it says it will "take Cuba in some form."

Mixed toneFactual4 sources

Neutral

Conflict(1)

South China Morning PostMar 22

Cuba is ready for a potential attack from US amid oil blockade: deputy foreign minister

Amidst an oil blockade imposed by the US, Cuba is preparing for a potential military engagement with the United States, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio. His statement follows escalating rhetoric from former US President Donald Trump, who suggested he would have the "honour" of taking over Cuba. De Cossio stated that while Cuba does not believe military action is probable, they are preparing as a precaution. He also refuted reports that the US is seeking to negotiate the structure or members of the Cuban government, emphasizing that regime change is not on the table in discussions with the US. Despite the heightened tensions, the top US general overseeing forces in Latin America stated that the US military is not actively preparing to invade Cuba.

Mixed toneFactual2 sources

Neutral

Key Claims

quote

Trump said it would be 'a big honor' to be the president that has the 'honor of taking Cuba'.

— Donald Trump

quote

Cuba is a sovereign country and has the right to self-determination.

— Carlos Fernández de Cossío

quote

Trump said he expected to have the “honour” of taking Cuba.

— US President Donald Trump

factual

The US military is not rehearsing for an invasion of Cuba.

— top general overseeing American forces in Latin America

quote

Cuba is preparing for the possibility of military aggression.

— Carlos Fernández de Cossío

Mar 22 Morning

1 articles|1 sources

national blackoutpower cutscubaelectrical gridfuel shortages

Economic Impact(1)

BBC News - WorldMar 22

National blackout hits Cuba for second time in a week

Cuba experienced a second national blackout within a week, leaving over 10 million people without power. The energy ministry reported a "total disconnection" of the national electrical system and initiated restoration protocols, prioritizing essential services. The blackouts are attributed to an aging infrastructure, fuel shortages exacerbated by a US fuel blockade, and three major blackouts this month. The crisis has sparked public dissent, including protests in Havana and an attack on a Communist Party headquarters. Amidst the power cuts, an international socialist coalition arrived with aid, while President Trump has suggested a "friendly takeover" of Cuba and demanded the removal of Cuba's President Miguel Díaz-Canel as a condition of lifting the fuel embargo.

MeasuredFactual5 sources

Negative

Key Claims

factual

National blackout hits Cuba for second time in a week.

— BBC/Reuters

statistic

More than 10 million people have had power cut to their homes and businesses across Cuba.

— BBC/Reuters

quote

Cuba's energy ministry said 'a total disconnection of the National Electrical System has occurred'.

— Cuba's energy ministry

factual

The Caribbean country has suffered three major blackouts this month as a US fuel blockade cuts off foreign oil imports.

— BBC/Reuters

factual

President Trump is reported to want the removal of Cuba's President Miguel Díaz-Canel as a condition of lifting the fuel embargo.

— BBC/Reuters

Mar 20 Evening

1 articles|1 sources

miguel diaz-canelus-cuba relationsleadership shake-upcuban governmentpolitical system

Diplomatic(1)

Al JazeeraMar 20

Cuba ‘categorically’ rejects prospect of removing Diaz-Canel in US talks

In March 2026, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio "categorically" rejected any negotiation with the United States regarding the removal of President Miguel Diaz-Canel. This statement came in response to reports that the Trump administration was seeking Diaz-Canel's ouster, similar to strategies employed in Venezuela. Fernandez de Cossio emphasized that Cuba's political system and leadership are not subject to negotiation with the U.S. Diaz-Canel, who is not a member of the Castro family, is serving his second five-year term as president and also heads the Communist Party. While open to trade discussions, the Cuban government maintains that its leadership is non-negotiable.

MeasuredFactual2 sources

Neutral

Key Claims

factual

Cuba ‘categorically’ rejects prospect of removing Diaz-Canel in US talks.

quote

The political system of Cuba is not up for negotiation with the United States.

— Carlos Fernandez de Cossio

factual

Diaz-Canel is the first president in Cuba not to be a part of the Castro family since 1976.

factual

Presidents in Cuba serve five-year terms, which means Diaz-Canel will reach the end of his second term in 2028.

factual

Trump is pushing for Diaz-Canel’s ouster, but he is not seeking the dismantlement of other parts of the Cuban government.

— The New York Times