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U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivers a speech marking the 82nd anniversary of the Normandy landings at the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, on the 6th (local time). / AP·Yonhap.

On June 10 (local time), U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth strongly warned that Cuba’s attempt to acquire weapons capable of striking the U.S. mainland or bases would “trigger an unbearable confrontation.”

According to Reuters, Hegseth visited the U.S. naval base at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, and said, “Any attempt by the Cuban government to secure or gain access to weapons that could reach this base or the U.S. mainland would be unwise.”

He emphasized, “Such attempts are beyond Cuba’s capacity, and no country on earth can withstand America’s military power.”

While delivering his warning, Hegseth also left the door open for improved relations with Cuba. “The United States still hopes for a positive relationship with Cuba,” he said, adding, “We hope to be friends with the Cuban leadership.”

He continued, “But for now, we must wait and see. If necessary, the Department of Defense is prepared to provide the president with all military options.”

Hegseth’s visit comes as President Donald Trump intensifies pressure on Cuba. The Trump administration has pursued regime change in Havana as a diplomatic goal, strengthening economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation.

Michael Bustamante, director of the Cuba Studies Program at the University of Miami, commented, “This visit signals that the U.S. is once again emphasizing the possibility of military options. If Cuba does not come to the negotiating table, the risk of military conflict could increase.”

                                                                                                            Park Jin‑sook