Hegseth on Possible Capture of Cuban President: ‘There Are Options’

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Wednesday that "all options are on the table" regarding a possible military operation in Cuba against President Miguel Díaz-Canel. The Pentagon chief's comments drew a sharp rebuke from Cuba's UN representative, who said Cuba's future belongs solely to the Cuban people.

Política

11 de junio del 2026
18:45 pm EST

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Wednesday that “all options are on the table” when asked about a possible military operation in Cuba. The official was questioned about a “capture or kill” operation against Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel.

Hegseth responded: “We have options all over the place.” The Pentagon chief added that “in our building, we literally make our living planning.” He then said that the U.S. Central Command plans better than anyone except the Pentagon.

“All of those options are on the table,” Hegseth declared during his visit to Centcom headquarters in Florida. The secretary said that “there is a lot of pressure on Cuba’s regime right now and for good reason.” According to CNN en Español, the island’s authorities face major decisions they should make.

What Did Hegseth Say About an Operation in Cuba?

Hegseth maintained that sometimes leaders make wrong decisions when under pressure. The secretary avoided answering whether the Defense Department plans an operation similar to the one carried out in Venezuela to capture President Nicolás Maduro.

“All I would say is: options, options, options,” Hegseth declared. The Pentagon chief said his job is to present options on different scales depending on where the commander in chief wants to go. That comment came during his visit to Centcom in Florida.

File photo of a protester waving the Cuban flag during a demonstration in Mexico City. EFE/ Sáshenka Gutiérrez

The Pentagon chief was earlier Wednesday at the Guantánamo Naval Base. Hegseth stated that “what happens in Cuba’s future is in the hands of the U.S. president, Donald Trump.” The Defense Department “will be prepared and in position for any contingency.”

Hegseth’s visit to the enclave came days after Washington announced new sanctions. Since January, the White House has increased pressure on Cuba with an oil blockade. That blockade worsened the country’s energy crisis amid demands for reforms.

Hegseth said that Cuban authorities have major decisions they should make. The Defense Secretary believes Cuba’s future is in the hands of the U.S. president. That stance generates diplomatic tension between both governments.

How Did the Cuban Government React to the Announcement?

In response, Cuba’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ernesto Soberón, reacted on X. The diplomat said: “The future of Cuba, a sovereign and independent country, belongs solely and exclusively to the Cuban people and their government.”

Soberón stated that “the Defense Secretary who believes Cuba’s future is in other hands is completely wrong.” That response reflects Cuba’s official stance on national sovereignty. The Cuban government rejects any external intervention in its territory.