Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said his government would mount a sustained guerrilla-style resistance if the United States were to launch a military attack on the island, warning that such a conflict would lead to significant casualties and destruction on both sides.

Díaz-Canel responded to recent remarks from President Donald Trump, who has suggested the possibility of taking action against Cuba. The island nation, located roughly 90 miles from Florida, has long been a geopolitical flashpoint due to its communist government and adversarial relationship with Washington.

Díaz-Canel emphasized that while Cuba seeks to avoid conflict, it is prepared to defend itself under what he described as a “war of all the people” doctrine, a strategy that relies on widespread civilian and military resistance. He warned that any U.S. military operation would be met with prolonged opposition and heavy losses.

“We will always strive to avoid war,” Díaz-Canel said. “But if military aggression occurs, we will fight back, we will defend ourselves.”

The remarks come as Cuba faces mounting internal challenges, including widespread blackouts, fuel shortages, rising food prices, and limited access to medicine. Cuban officials have attributed much of the crisis to U.S. pressure, including restrictions that have reduced oil shipments to the island in recent months.

The White House has defended its posture, stating that Cuba represents “an unusual and extraordinary threat” to U.S. national security. Officials have pointed to the regime’s communist system, relationships with countries such as Russia, China, and Iran, and alleged ties to groups like Hamas and Hezbollah—claims Cuban authorities have denied.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed Díaz-Canel’s comments earlier in the week, saying he does not give them serious consideration. Rubio has been a consistent critic of Cuba’s leadership and has recently increased calls for political change in Havana.

Despite the escalating rhetoric, Díaz-Canel said Cuba remains open to diplomacy, though he acknowledged that progress would be difficult under current conditions. He argued there is no justification for military action and rejected the U.S. characterization of Cuba as a national security threat.

“I think dialogue is possible,” he said, “but it is difficult.”

Díaz-Canel also downplayed concerns about his personal safety, describing Cuba’s leadership structure as collective and emphasizing that decisions are made jointly within the government.

The exchange highlights renewed strain in U.S.-Cuba relations, with both sides signaling firm positions while leaving the door open, at least rhetorically, to future negotiations.