The Guardian: Washington Turns Its Compass Toward Cuba After Failing to Confront Iran

NYN | Reports and Analyses 

The British newspaper The Guardian has reported that the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump has begun shifting its strategic focus toward Cuba, in what observers describe as an attempt to compensate for the setbacks Washington faced during its recent confrontation with Iran, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz region.

In an analytical article by political commentator Owen Jones, the newspaper argued that the perceived decline of American influence in the face of Iran’s resilience has prompted policymakers in Washington to search for a new arena where they can secure a “quick victory” capable of restoring the image of the United States as a global superpower, with Cuba emerging as one of the most likely targets.

Growing Signs of Escalation

The report highlighted a series of political and military developments reflecting rising tensions between Washington and Havana. These include statements by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who downplayed the prospects for diplomatic solutions with Cuba, as well as the announcement by U.S. authorities of criminal charges and arrest warrants against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro in connection with the 1996 shootdown of American aircraft.

In response, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel described these measures as “political pretexts” designed to prepare public opinion for a potential military move against his country.

Questioning U.S. Claims

The article also addressed what it described as leaked U.S. intelligence reports alleging that Cuba possesses hundreds of drones intended to target the U.S. naval base at Guantánamo Bay. The author argued that such claims lack credibility and resemble the justifications used prior to the 2003 invasion of Iraq under the banner of “weapons of mass destruction.”

According to the analysis, Cuba’s severe economic difficulties make it highly implausible that the country is preparing to launch military attacks against the United States.

Military Movements in the Caribbean

The report stated that these developments have coincided with U.S. military deployments in the Caribbean, including the dispatch of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and several accompanying naval vessels, amid reports of increasing pressure on energy supplies destined for the island.

Warning Against Repeating Past Mistakes

The Guardian concluded its analysis by warning that reliance on economic sanctions and military pressure to bring about political change within Cuba could lead the United States into another crisis. The newspaper emphasized that history has repeatedly shown that the will of nations cannot be easily broken.

The author further argued that the real motivations behind any potential escalation are not rooted in slogans such as “spreading democracy” or “liberating peoples,” but rather in political and economic considerations aimed at restoring America’s image of strength and opening Cuba’s markets and strategic sectors to U.S. companies