Cuba has acquired more than 300 military drones from Russia and Iran amid heightened tensions with the US and alleged discussions involving potential attacks on US facilities.
Classified intelligence cited by Axios alleged that Havana had proposed plans targeting military vessels and a Naval Air Station in Key West, Florida.
The development came after Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla accused the US of falsifying reports to justify economic sanctions and potential military intervention against the Caribbean nation.
Since 2023, Cuba has expanded its drone inventory through acquisitions from Russia and Iran and is reportedly seeking additional attack capabilities, US officials told Axios.
While Cuban officials have maintained that the country is prepared for a potential US attack, senior leaders have also expressed openness to diplomatic engagement with Washington.
Growing Tensions
One unnamed US official cited by Axios said the Trump administration has raised concerns over the presence of Iranian advisers in Havana, describing the situation “a growing threat.”
“When we think about those types of technologies being that close, and a range of bad actors from terror groups to drug cartels to Iranians to the Russians, it’s concerning,” the US official said.
Washington has continued to put pressure on Cuba, with reports claiming Trump’s government is exploring criminal charges against former Cuban President Raul Castro over a decades-old incident involving the downing of two aircraft.
It has also threatened tariffs on countries exporting oil to Cuba, a move that reportedly disrupted shipments and contributed to widespread power outages across the island.
