Full Breakdown
U.S. Officials Label Cuba a National Security Threat
7/13/2026, 9:36:28 PM
Core Claim and Context
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz told Fox News’s *Sunday Morning Futures* that Cuba’s government constitutes “a national security threat” because Chinese and Russian intelligence sites operate on the island. Waltz said the adversaries maintain “intelligence posts, signals collection posts and military officers in Cuba right off our shores,” a presence he contrasted with reduced footholds in Venezuela, Central America and the Panama Canal under the current administration. The remarks arrive amid a broader Trump-era policy that has warned of possible military action against Cuba, reinforced by a May visit from CIA Director John Ratcliffe and statements from Secretary of State Marco Rubio that a negotiated deal with Havana was unlikely.
Intelligence Presence and Drone Allegations
Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush added that Iran has supplied roughly 300 Shahed-136 drones to Cuba, positioning them just 90 miles from Florida. Bush argued that Iran’s cooperation with Cuba and Venezuela “creates instability… in the region.” Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has warned that any U.S. attack would trigger a “bloodbath with incalculable consequences,” referencing an Axios report on the drone stockpile.
Official Statements & Responses
- The Trump administration communicated to Cuban officials that the United States is “prepared to seriously engage on economic and security issues, but only if Cuba makes fundamental changes.”
- CIA Director Ratcliffe’s May trip to Havana was described as a personal delivery of President Trump’s message regarding potential invasion or military response.
- Secretary of State Rubio indicated that a negotiated settlement with Cuba was not forthcoming, underscoring the administration’s hardline stance.
Criticism & Calls for Regime Change
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) publicly called for “regime change” in Cuba, writing on social media that “the liberation of the wonderful people of Cuba from the clutches of communism is close at hand.” His comment followed earlier remarks that “Cuba is next” after recent U.S. actions in Venezuela and Iran.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The claims about Iranian-made drones and the exact number of foreign intelligence sites in Cuba are based on statements from U.S. officials and unverified reports; Cuban authorities have not provided independent confirmation. No official Cuban response to Waltz’s accusations appears in the available sources.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Cuban regime is not only a threat to its own people, it’s a national security threat, and this administration’s not going to stand for it any longer.” — Mike Waltz, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
- “They still have intelligence posts, signals collection posts and military officers in Cuba right off our shores.” — Mike Waltz
- “I think it’s important to recognize that Iran has consistently been working with Cuba, Venezuela… creating instability… in the region.” — Jeb Bush, former Florida Governor
- “I believe the liberation of the wonderful people of Cuba from the clutches of communism is close at hand.” — Lindsey Graham, U.S. Senator
