Speaking in an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, Díaz-Canel said an invasion or targeted operation against Cuba would come at a high cost and trigger a strong defensive response from the island’s population.

He added that Cubans would be prepared to fight if necessary.His remarks come amid heightened tensions with United States under President Donald Trump, despite both sides acknowledging ongoing contacts aimed at addressing bilateral disputes.

Díaz-Canel accused Washington of pursuing a “hostile policy” toward Cuba and said the United States had “no moral” authority to demand political changes from Havana, while reiterating Cuba’s willingness to engage in dialogue without preconditions.

The Cuban leader linked the island’s worsening economic conditions to U.S. measures, including restrictions that have disrupted energy supplies and exacerbated shortages affecting transport, healthcare and industrial output.

Cuba produces roughly 40 percent of its fuel needs and has faced acute shortages following disruptions to oil shipments, including from Venezuela earlier this year, contributing to a deepening energy crisis.

Díaz-Canel said recent statements from Trump, including suggestions that Cuba could be targeted next, were taken by Havana as a warning, reinforcing the government’s focus on safeguarding national sovereignty and stability.