Trump Threatens Potential Military Operation in Cuba Following Venezuela Intervention

WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly suggested the possibility of military intervention in Cuba, echoing the strategy employed in Venezuela last month. The statements were made to reporters aboard Air Force One on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, raising tensions between the two nations.

Economic Pressure and Threats of Force

Trump emphasized his administration’s policy of economic isolation towards Cuba, a US trade embargo that has been in place since 1960, as a means of compelling Havana to make concessions. He highlighted the economic hardship facing Cuba, stating, “Meanwhile, there’s an embargo. There’s no oil. There’s no money. There’s nothing.”

When pressed on whether he was contemplating a similar operation to the one that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026, Trump initially declined to answer directly. He then added, “If I consider it, it won’t be a very tough operation as you can imagine, but I don’t think it’s necessary.”

Cuban Response and Dialogue Refusal

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has firmly denied any ongoing negotiations with the U.S. Government, responding to Trump’s threats. According to a report from the Associated Press Cuban President Díaz-Canel denies talks with US after Trump threat, Díaz-Canel stated there are no current talks between Havana, and Washington.

Though, Díaz-Canel indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue with the United States, but only “without pressure or preconditions,” as reported by The Guardian Cuba open to talks with US ‘without pressure’ after months of Trump threats. This stance comes amid Cuba’s deepening economic crisis and following the loss of Cuban security forces during the U.S. Operation in Venezuela.

Venezuela Operation and Regional Impact

The U.S. Military capture of Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026, resulted in casualties, including 32 members of the Cuban security forces who were in Venezuela for security cooperation Cuban president says no talks with US amid Trump’s escalating threats. Trump has as well warned of cutting off Venezuelan oil supplies to Cuba and urged Havana to “make a deal” with the U.S. Cuban president says no talks with US amid Trump’s escalating threats.

Key Takeaways

• President Trump has threatened potential military action against Cuba.
• Cuba denies current negotiations with the U.S. But remains open to dialogue without preconditions.
• The situation is rooted in the U.S. Intervention in Venezuela and the ongoing economic embargo against Cuba.
• The loss of Cuban security personnel in Venezuela has heightened tensions.