Cold War echoes are getting louder.
During a high-profile ceremony in Havana, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel delivered a defiant message marking the Bay of Pigs Invasion anniversary.
His warning was clear.
Cuba does not want war with the United States. But if conflict comes, “we will win,” he told supporters, standing in military fatigues during the 65th anniversary event.
The speech lands at a tense moment.
Relations between Cuba and the U.S., under Donald Trump, have sharply deteriorated. Just days before the speech, Trump suggested military action could extend to the island following broader conflicts abroad.
That rhetoric is not happening in a vacuum.
Tensions escalated earlier this year after a U.S. military operation in Caracas led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro, a key Cuban ally. Reports say 32 Cuban personnel were killed during the mission, deepening hostilities.
Since then, pressure has intensified.
Washington has reportedly tightened restrictions on oil shipments to Cuba, worsening an already fragile economy. Across the island, power outages stretch for hours, hospitals face shortages, and fuel has become scarce.
Inside Cuba, the message is one of resistance.
Crowds at the event chanted against U.S. influence, while Díaz-Canel framed the moment as a continuation of a decades-long struggle for sovereignty. The Bay of Pigs remains a powerful symbol in Cuban politics, often portrayed as a David vs. Goliath victory that defined the nation’s path.
Behind the scenes, quiet diplomacy may still be in play.
U.S. officials are reportedly exploring negotiations involving Raúl Castro, who remains an influential figure despite stepping down from formal leadership. His daughter, Mariela Castro, signaled calm but readiness, saying the country is “not alarmed” but actively preparing.
The bigger picture is uneasy.
What began as symbolic anniversary rhetoric is now colliding with real geopolitical pressure, economic strain, and military posturing.
For now, both sides are talking tough.
And history suggests that when Cuba and the United States reach this level of tension, the world pays close attention.