This was surprising to see.
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is raising new concerns about national security after reports suggested that Iranian military drones may be operating from Cuba, just 90 miles from the United States.
Speaking Wednesday at an event hosted by United Against Nuclear Iran, where he serves as chairman, Bush said the reported drone activity deserves serious attention as tensions between the United States and Iran remain elevated.
“Iran has been a consistent threat to the security interests of the United States and certainly to Israel,” Bush said. “Now we are seeing concerns that extend beyond the Middle East and into our own hemisphere.”
Bush referenced reports claiming that approximately 300 Iranian drones are located in Cuba. While emphasizing confidence in America’s military capabilities, he warned that advances in drone warfare present new challenges for modern defense systems.
Bush Warns About Emerging Security Risks
According to Bush, coordinated drone attacks have demonstrated their effectiveness in conflicts across the Middle East, where multiple unmanned aircraft launched simultaneously have challenged traditional air defense systems.
He argued that reports of similar capabilities appearing in Cuba should not be dismissed.
“I think it’s important to recognize that Iran has consistently been working with Cuba and Venezuela, creating instability not only in Cuba but throughout the region,” Bush said.
Bush also praised the Trump administration’s efforts to counter Iran’s military capabilities, saying that confronting aggression can help strengthen long-term regional stability.
Longstanding Position on Cuba
Bush has maintained a firm stance toward Cuba for years. During his 2016 presidential campaign and in earlier public remarks, he opposed easing U.S. restrictions without meaningful democratic reforms from the Cuban government.
That position earned him significant support among many Cuban American voters in Florida, who have historically favored a tougher approach toward the island’s communist leadership.
Congressman Highlights Drone Capabilities
Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.) echoed Bush’s concerns during the event, describing the destructive potential of the drones reportedly linked to Iran.
According to Gimenez, some of the unmanned aircraft are capable of carrying more than 100 pounds of explosives and are designed to strike their targets directly.
He also said certain models reportedly have an operational range of roughly 2,500 kilometers, potentially placing parts of the southeastern United States within reach if launched from Cuba.
Intelligence Reports Draw Attention
The renewed discussion follows a report published by Axios in May that cited classified intelligence indicating Cuba had acquired more than 300 military drones. The report said officials had discussed possible attack scenarios involving the U.S. naval base at Guantánamo Bay and Key West, Florida.
A senior U.S. official quoted in the report described the expanding drone capability as a “growing threat.”
The U.S. government has not publicly released classified evidence confirming the full scope of those reports.
Pentagon Says Forces Are Prepared
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the issue during a recent visit to Guantánamo Bay, stating that American forces remain prepared for any potential contingency.
His comments came as the Pentagon continues monitoring developments involving Iran and its regional partners.
Pressure Continues on Cuba
The Trump administration has continued to maintain pressure on Cuba’s government through economic sanctions and other measures aimed at encouraging political reform.
Those policies have coincided with ongoing economic hardship on the island, including fuel shortages and widespread power outages that have prompted protests in several areas.
Following reports about the alleged drone buildup, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel warned against any U.S. military action, saying such a move could have severe consequences.
What We Know So Far
- Jeb Bush warned that reports of Iranian drones in Cuba deserve close attention.
- Bush said modern drone technology presents evolving security challenges.
- Rep. Carlos Gimenez highlighted the reported range and explosive capability of some drones.
- Intelligence reports cited by Axios claimed Cuba had acquired more than 300 military drones.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said U.S. forces are prepared for potential contingencies.
- Cuba has rejected suggestions that it poses a military threat to the United States.
Why This Story Matters
The reported presence of advanced military technology near the United States has renewed debate about security in the Western Hemisphere and Iran’s expanding international partnerships.
While some of the claims remain based on intelligence reporting that has not been fully disclosed publicly, comments from Bush, members of Congress, and senior defense officials have intensified attention on developments in Cuba.
As tensions involving Iran continue to evolve, policymakers are expected to keep a close watch on military activity in the Caribbean and its potential implications for U.S. national security.