Guantanamo bay: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the future of Cuba is contingent upon the leadership of both the United States and Cuba, while affirming the preparedness of American forces for any "possible contingency" on the island. During his visit to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, Hegseth emphasized the strategic significance of the site and assured that the US military remains ready for any political developments.

According to Anadolu Agency, Hegseth cautioned the Cuban government against acquiring advanced weaponry that could pose a threat to the US or the naval station. He warned that any such actions by Havana would invite a confrontation that Cuba "could not stand." Hegseth underscored the might of American forces by referencing a recent military operation in Venezuela, where US forces abducted President Nicolas Maduro, successfully bypassing Russian air defenses and Cuban guards.

Hegseth further mentioned the US's intensified efforts against drug cartels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. He noted that operations targeting "designated terrorist" criminal groups are being executed with the same vigor as those against Al-Qaeda and ISIS. The operations, conducted through the Americans Counter Cartel Coalition, have led to a significant drop in drug flows in regional waters, thanks to collaboration with "friendly" partner nations.

The defense secretary's visit to Guantanamo Bay coincides with Washington's increased diplomatic and economic pressure on Havana. US President Donald Trump recently expressed his administration's intent to "handle" Cuba following the Middle East conflict. Additionally, the US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and several members of his inner circle.

Hegseth is also scheduled to visit Central Command (CENTCOM) headquarters in Florida, further highlighting the US's strategic military focus in the region.