Cuban President Says Cuba Would Fight Back Against U.S. Military Action
Miguel Díaz-Canel told NBC News that Cuba would defend itself against any potential U.S. invasion in his first American television interview.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel stated that Cuba would resist any potential U.S. military action against the island nation, declaring that Cuban leadership is prepared to "give our lives for the revolution," according to an exclusive interview with NBC News.
The remarks came during Díaz-Canel's first-ever interview on American television, conducted with Meet the Press. When asked about potential U.S. military intervention, the Cuban leader said "if we need to die, we'll die" and "we would die" to defend against an invasion.
Despite the defiant stance on military action, Díaz-Canel emphasized the importance of dialogue between the two nations. The Cuban president stressed the need for diplomatic engagement while maintaining that Cuba is prepared to defend itself if necessary.
The interview represents a rare direct communication from Cuba's leadership to American audiences. Díaz-Canel has served as Cuba's president since 2018, succeeding Raúl Castro in the role.
Relations between Cuba and the United States have remained tense for decades, with the U.S. maintaining economic sanctions against the Caribbean nation. The two countries have had limited diplomatic engagement despite brief warming of relations during the Obama administration.