Senior military officials from the United States and Cuba held talks on Friday (May 29) at Guantanamo Bay, the US naval base located on Cuban territory, as tensions between Washington and Havana continue to escalate amid renewed political friction involving President Donald Trump’s policy direction.&nbsp;US General Francis Donovan met Cuban General Roberto Legra Sotolongo in what US Southern Command described as a brief exchange on operational security matters, alongside a released photograph of the meeting. The meeting comes amid heightened concern in the region, with recent reports suggesting Cuban authorities have considered potential drone strikes on the base in the event of an American attack.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/poison-seller-who-sold-toxic-chemicals-worldwide-pleads-guilty-to-aiding-suicides-1780090760431">'Poison seller' who sold toxic chemicals worldwide pleads guilty to aiding suicides</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/SOUTHCOM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOUTHCOM</a> Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan met with Army Corps General, Gen. Roberto Legrá Sotolongo, First Deputy Minister of the Chief of the General Staff, and other senior leaders from the Cuban military today at the perimeter of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for a… <a href="https://t.co/V4Fau3HxSo">pic.twitter.com/V4Fau3HxSo</a>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://x.com/Southcom/status/2060472965658230998?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

During the visit, Donovan conducted a perimeter security review of the installation and discussed force protection and operational readiness with Cuban counterparts, according to the statement. Guantanamo Bay, located about 430 miles (700 kilometers) southeast of Miami, remains one of the most controversial US military sites, widely associated with allegations of abuse involving terror suspects detained after the September 11, 2001, attacks.&nbsp;The Trump administration has also previously outlined plans to expand the use of the facility as a detention center for undocumented migrants. “Naval Station Guantanamo Bay is a vital operational and logistical hub that supports US military efforts to counter threats that undermine security, stability, and democracy in our hemisphere,” US Southern Command said.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-origin-shrey-parikh-is-new-u-s-spelling-bee-champion-wins-52-500-prize-1780079471440/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-origin-shrey-parikh-is-new-u-s-spelling-bee-champion-wins-52-500-prize-1780079471440/embed</a>&nbsp;Diplomatic relations between Havana and Washington have deteriorated further following a US energy blockade imposed on the island in January, alongside rising political tensions. The situation escalated again after a Florida court unsealed criminal charges against former Cuban president Raul Castro relating to a 1996 incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cuban officials view the case as politically motivated and potentially linked to broader US pressure on the island’s leadership. Analysts say the indictment could be interpreted by Havana as justification for increased hostility, amid growing concerns that Washington is considering more aggressive measures toward Cuba.

Senior US and Cuban military officers met at Guantanamo Bay amid rising tensions, political friction, and renewed disputes between Washington and Havana

Senior military officials from the United States and Cuba held talks on Friday (May 29) at Guantanamo Bay, the US naval base located on Cuban territory, as tensions between Washington and Havana continue to escalate amid renewed political friction involving President Donald Trump’s policy direction. US General Francis Donovan met Cuban General Roberto Legra Sotolongo in what US Southern Command described as a brief exchange on operational security matters, alongside a released photograph of the meeting. The meeting comes amid heightened concern in the region, with recent reports suggesting Cuban authorities have considered potential drone strikes on the base in the event of an American attack. Also Read: 'Poison seller' who sold toxic chemicals worldwide pleads guilty to aiding suicides

US and Cuban military officials met at Guantanamo Bay as tensions rise amid Trump-era policies and worsening Washington–Havana relations

US and Cuban military officials meet at Guantanamo Bay amid escalating tensions

A Russian oil tanker arrived at a Cuban port on Tuesday (March 31), marking the first shipment of crude oil to the country since January after the United States eased blocks imposed on the island.&nbsp;The Anatoly Kolodkin docked in the western part of Matanzas with an estimated 730,000 barrels of crude after the Trump administration allowed a ship under US sanctions to enter the island.&nbsp;Cuban citizens and Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy expressed relief over the arrival of the ship, as a shortage of petroleum had prompted an energy crisis marked by prolonged blackouts and a severe shortage of food and medicine. It also worsened the already weakened economy.&nbsp;“Our gratitude to the Government and People of Russia for all the support we are receiving. A valuable shipment that arrives amidst the complex energy situation we are facing,” de la O Levy wrote on X.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-pakistan-put-forward-5-point-proposal-for-gulf-and-west-asia-amid-iran-war-here-s-what-it-says-1774966012766">China, Pakistan put forward 5-point proposal for Gulf and West Asia amid Iran war. Here’s what it says</a>&nbsp;The Trump administration enforced a strict energy blockade on Cuba in early 2026 as a main pillar of its “maximum pressure” campaign, aimed at destabilising the Cuban government and forcing political change.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the US president continued his “Cuba is next” warnings as he called on Havana to “make a deal before it’s too late,” suggesting that a friendly takeover or total collapse of the regime is imminent.&nbsp;However, shifting his stance on Sunday, Trump said he had “no problem” with a Russian oil tanker off the coast of Cuba delivering relief to the island.&nbsp;“We don’t mind somebody getting a boatload because they need it… they have to survive,” Trump said.&nbsp;“Cuba’s finished,” he added. “They have a bad regime. They have very bad and corrupt leadership, and whether or not they get a boat of oil, it’s not going to matter.”&nbsp;“Our gratitude to the Government and People of Russia for all the support we are receiving. A valuable shipment that arrives amidst the complex energy situation we are facing,” de la O Levy wrote on X.

Cuban citizens and Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy expressed relief over the arrival of the ship, as a shortage of petroleum had prompted an energy crisis marked by prolonged blackouts and a severe shortage of food and medicine.

A Russian oil tanker arrived at a Cuban port on Tuesday (March 31), marking the first shipment of crude oil to the country since January after the United States eased blocks imposed on the island. The Anatoly Kolodkin docked in the western part of Matanzas with an estimated 730,000 barrels of crude after the Trump administration allowed a ship under US sanctions to enter the island. Cuban citizens and Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy expressed relief over the arrival of the ship, as a shortage of petroleum had prompted an energy crisis marked by prolonged blackouts and a severe shortage of food and medicine. It also worsened the already weakened economy. “Our gratitude to the Government and People of Russia for all the support we are receiving. A valuable shipment that arrives amidst the complex energy situation we are facing,” de la O Levy wrote on X. Also Read: China, Pakistan put forward 5-point proposal for Gulf and West Asia amid Iran war. Here’s what it says The Trump administration enforced a strict energy blockade on Cuba in early 2026 as a main pillar of its “maximum pressure” campaign, aimed at destabilising the Cuban government and forcing political change. Meanwhile, the US president continued his “Cuba is next” warnings as he called on Havana to “make a deal before it’s too late,” suggesting that a friendly takeover or total collapse of the regime is imminent. However, shifting his stance on Sunday, Trump said he had “no problem” with a Russian oil tanker off the coast of Cuba delivering relief to the island. “We don’t mind somebody getting a boatload because they need it… they have to survive,” Trump said. “Cuba’s finished,” he added. “They have a bad regime. They have very bad and corrupt leadership, and whether or not they get a boat of oil, it’s not going to matter.” “Our gratitude to the Government and People of Russia for all the support we are receiving. A valuable shipment that arrives amidst the complex energy situation we are facing,” de la O Levy wrote on X.

Cuban citizens and Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy expressed relief over the arrival of the ship, as a shortage of petroleum had prompted an energy crisis marked by prolonged blackouts and a severe shortage of food and medicine.

First oil shipment reaches Cuba in three months as US allows Russian ship to dock

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Feb 27) floated the idea of a "friendly takeover" of another neighbouring country. While leaving for Texas, the "America First" POTUS suggested that the US could take over Cuba, a Caribbean Island nation which is facing its worst economic collapse in years. Trump's alarming statement comes almost two months after the US carried out an operation codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve, which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/uss-gerald-r-ford-arrives-near-israel-as-us-navy-downplays-dirty-sewage-problem-ahead-of-possible-iran-strike-1772183696336">US Navy downplays USS Gerald R Ford's toilet problem as aircraft carrier arrives near Israel ahead of possible Iran strike</a><h2>Why does Trump want to take over Cuba?</h2>Trump said that he had been hearing about Cuba's financial woes since he was a boy. "They’re in a big deal of trouble," he said, as he revealed that the Cuban government was in talks with the US."They have no money. They have no anything right now, but they’re talking with us, and maybe we’ll have a friendly takeover of Cuba," he said. However, the US president did not elaborate on what he meant by a "friendly takeover" but claimed that such a move would be "very positive" for Cuban exiles living in the US.Following the Venezuela operation, Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Cuba as a "disaster" and a country run by "incompetent, senile men—and in some cases, not senile, but incompetent nonetheless".Located merely 90 miles from Florida's Key West, Cuba is also home to the notorious United States military prison, Guantanamo Bay.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/elon-musk-blasts-new-york-times-as-utterly-disgusting-over-paedophilia-not-a-crime-article-jeffrey-epstein-files-1772095271310">'Utterly disgusting’: Elon Musk blasts New York Times over 'paedophilia not a crime' article</a><h2>Cuba's economy in trouble?</h2>Following the US Capture of Venezuela's president, Maduro, Cuba suffered a severe humanitarian and energy crisis. Maduro's capture severed the island nation's primary economic and strategic lifeline. Cuba depended on Venezuela for roughly one-third of its fuel needs, but the nation has now been plagued by widespread power blackouts lasting up to 20 hours a day. According to reports, the island nation faces the threat of a potential total blackout by late February 2026.The US, meanwhile, has implemented a naval blockade and has threatened sanctions on other suppliers like Mexico, which is further contributing to an exhaustion of Cuba's fuel supplies.According to the BBC, hospitals in the nation are in darkness, with only emergency cases being admitted. Schools are often shuttered.

Why is Trump talking about a “friendly takeover” of Cuba and what does it really mean? Scroll down to find out.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Feb 27) floated the idea of a "friendly takeover" of another neighbouring country. While leaving for Texas, the "America First" POTUS suggested that the US could take over Cuba, a Caribbean Island nation which is facing its worst economic collapse in years. Trump's alarming statement comes almost two months after the US carried out an operation codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve, which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Also read | US Navy downplays USS Gerald R Ford's toilet problem as aircraft carrier arrives near Israel ahead of possible Iran strike Why does Trump want to take over Cuba? Trump said that he had been hearing about Cuba's financial woes since he was a boy. "They’re in a big deal of trouble," he said, as he revealed that the Cuban government was in talks with the US. "They have no money. They have no anything right now, but they’re talking with us, and maybe we’ll have a friendly takeover of Cuba," he said. However, the US president did not elaborate on what he meant by a "friendly takeover" but claimed that such a move would be "very positive" for Cuban exiles living in the US. Following the Venezuela operation, Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Cuba as a "disaster" and a country run by "incompetent, senile men—and in some cases, not senile, but incompetent nonetheless". Located merely 90 miles from Florida's Key West, Cuba is also home to the notorious United States military prison, Guantanamo Bay. Also read | 'Utterly disgusting’: Elon Musk blasts New York Times over 'paedophilia not a crime' article Cuba's economy in trouble? Following the US Capture of Venezuela's president, Maduro, Cuba suffered a severe humanitarian and energy crisis. Maduro's capture severed the island nation's primary economic and strategic lifeline. Cuba depended on Venezuela for roughly one-third of its fuel needs, but the nation has now been plagued by widespread power blackouts lasting up to 20 hours a day. According to reports, the island nation faces the threat of a potential total blackout by late February 2026. The US, meanwhile, has implemented a naval blockade and has threatened sanctions on other suppliers like Mexico, which is further contributing to an exhaustion of Cuba's fuel supplies. According to the BBC, hospitals in the nation are in darkness, with only emergency cases being admitted. Schools are often shuttered.

Why is Trump talking about a “friendly takeover” of Cuba and what does it really mean? Scroll down to find out.

Trump threatens 'friendly takeover' of another US neighbour. Here's all you need to know

US President Donald Trump has said that he is currently talking to Cuba but didn't rule out Venezuela-like operations in the country. Speaking to reporters en route to Washington from Palm Beach, Florida, Trump said that Cuba should “absolutely” make a deal with the US, adding that his Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in talks with him. &nbsp;&nbsp;"We're talking to Cuba right now. They should absolutely make a deal. We'll see how it all turns out. But Cuba and us, we are talking. In the meantime, there's an embargo, there's no oil, there's no money," he said, adding that Cuba "a failed nation." Asked if he would consider a military operation like the one in Venezuela, Trump said, "Why would I answer that? If I was, it wouldn't be a very tough operation, as you can figure, but I don't think that'll be necessary," he said. The US has halted oil supplies to Cuba from Mexico and Venezuela and reinstated its blockade, declaring its intention to overthrow the republic's leftist government by one means or another. Washington has also imposed an embargo on fuel deliveries to the island nation. “I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE,” Trump had warned Cuba on January 11.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cuba-faces-severe-energy-crisis-amid-trump-s-pressure-on-havana-1770691835025/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/cuba-faces-severe-energy-crisis-amid-trump-s-pressure-on-havana-1770691835025/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-seeking-regime-change-in-cuba-after-venezuela-cuba-on-trump-s-target-1769083564484">US seeking regime change in Cuba? After Venezuela, Cuba on Trump's target?</a><h2>What is the US planning to do with Cuba?</h2>Earlier this year, an article titled ‘The US Is Actively Seeking Regime Change in Cuba by the End of the Year’ claimed that the strategy by the US to weaken and eventually overthrow the Cuban government appears to be multi-pronged, including a search for government insiders in Cuba for a deal that would end the Communist rule as well as economic pressure. The US assessment is that the Cuban economy is on the brink of collapse, weakened by the loss of support from Venezuela that had provided much of Cuba’s oil and energy needs as a satellite state. &nbsp;“The regime has to make a choice to step down or to better provide for its people,” the report cited Jeremy Lewin, the State Department’s acting under-secretary for foreign assistance, as saying. Another White House official cited in the report described Cuba’s rulers as “incompetent Marxists who destroyed their country.” The State Department has long held that it is in US national security interests for Cuba to be ‘competently run by a democratic government’ and to refuse to host adversaries’ military and intelligence service.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cuba-regime-change-by-end-of-2026-trump-wants-it-to-cement-his-legacy-claims-report-1769060740681">Cuba REGIME CHANGE by end of 2026? Trump wants it to 'cement his legacy', claims report</a><h2>US attacked Venezuela and captured Maduro</h2>As the year 2026 began, Trump ordered the US military to launch Operation Absolute Resolve. It was a direct US intervention in Venezuela that led to the capture of Nicholas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their compound in Caracas. Maduro and Flores were flown to New York City and charged with narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. They pleaded not guilty in a Manhattan federal court. Trump declared that he will ‘run’ Venezuela. Meanwhile, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as Venezuela's acting president. While she denounced the capture of Maduro, her government has since begun releasing some political prisoners as a gesture toward “consolidating peace.” Maduro is currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, New York. Maduro pleaded not guilty to all charges during his initial court appearance on January 5. His next scheduled court hearing is set for March 17. On Jan 13, Maduro's X account became accessible again, with no clarity as to who is using it on his behalf.

US President Donald Trump says Washington is in active talks with Cuba, with Marco Rubio leading discussions. While signalling openness to a deal, the US is increasing economic pressure through sanctions and fuel restrictions, aiming to push political and economic changes in the island nation.

US President Donald Trump has said that he is currently talking to Cuba but didn't rule out Venezuela-like operations in the country. Speaking to reporters en route to Washington from Palm Beach, Florida, Trump said that Cuba should “absolutely” make a deal with the US, adding that his Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in talks with him. "We're talking to Cuba right now. They should absolutely make a deal. We'll see how it all turns out. But Cuba and us, we are talking. In the meantime, there's an embargo, there's no oil, there's no money," he said, adding that Cuba "a failed nation." Asked if he would consider a military operation like the one in Venezuela, Trump said, "Why would I answer that? If I was, it wouldn't be a very tough operation, as you can figure, but I don't think that'll be necessary," he said. The US has halted oil supplies to Cuba from Mexico and Venezuela and reinstated its blockade, declaring its intention to overthrow the republic's leftist government by one means or another. Washington has also imposed an embargo on fuel deliveries to the island nation. “I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE,” Trump had warned Cuba on January 11. https://www.wionews.com/videos/cuba-faces-severe-energy-crisis-amid-trump-s-pressure-on-havana-1770691835025/embed Also Read: US seeking regime change in Cuba? After Venezuela, Cuba on Trump's target? What is the US planning to do with Cuba? Earlier this year, an article titled ‘The US Is Actively Seeking Regime Change in Cuba by the End of the Year’ claimed that the strategy by the US to weaken and eventually overthrow the Cuban government appears to be multi-pronged, including a search for government insiders in Cuba for a deal that would end the Communist rule as well as economic pressure. The US assessment is that the Cuban economy is on the brink of collapse, weakened by the loss of support from Venezuela that had provided much of Cuba’s oil and energy needs as a satellite state. “The regime has to make a choice to step down or to better provide for its people,” the report cited Jeremy Lewin, the State Department’s acting under-secretary for foreign assistance, as saying. Another White House official cited in the report described Cuba’s rulers as “incompetent Marxists who destroyed their country.” The State Department has long held that it is in US national security interests for Cuba to be ‘competently run by a democratic government’ and to refuse to host adversaries’ military and intelligence service. Also Read: Cuba REGIME CHANGE by end of 2026? Trump wants it to 'cement his legacy', claims report US attacked Venezuela and captured Maduro As the year 2026 began, Trump ordered the US military to launch Operation Absolute Resolve. It was a direct US intervention in Venezuela that led to the capture of Nicholas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their compound in Caracas. Maduro and Flores were flown to New York City and charged with narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. They pleaded not guilty in a Manhattan federal court. Trump declared that he will ‘run’ Venezuela. Meanwhile, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as Venezuela's acting president. While she denounced the capture of Maduro, her government has since begun releasing some political prisoners as a gesture toward “consolidating peace.” Maduro is currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, New York. Maduro pleaded not guilty to all charges during his initial court appearance on January 5. His next scheduled court hearing is set for March 17. On Jan 13, Maduro's X account became accessible again, with no clarity as to who is using it on his behalf.

Trump says Washington is in active talks with Cuba, with Marco Rubio leading discussions. While signalling openness to a deal, the US is increasing economic pressure through sanctions and fuel restrictions, aiming to push political and economic changes in the island nation.

'Wouldn't be a very tough...': Trump to order Venezuela-like operation in Cuba to oust President Miguel Diaz-Canel?

us-cuba-tensions

Us Cuba Tensions, News on Us Cuba Tensions, stories on Us Cuba Tensions, articles on Us Cuba Tensions, Us Cuba Tensions stories at Wion, Us Cuba Tensions news, Us Cuba Tensions latest news

us cuba-tensions

US and Cuban military officials meet at Guantanamo Bay amid escalating tensions

First oil tanker reaches Cuba in three months as US allows Russian ship to dock

Trump threatens 'friendly takeover' of another US neighbour. Deets inside

'Wouldn't be a very tough...': Trump to order Venezuela-like operation in Cuba?