UANI Brings Iranian Shahed Drone to Florida, Warning of Emerging Cuba-Iran Security Threat

(Miami, Florida) – On Wednesday, July 8, United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) displayed an Iranian Shahed-136 drone in Florida for the first time in the state’s history, highlighting the growing security threat posed by the Iranian regime’s military relationship with Cuba and the global proliferation of Iranian drone technology.

The event, held at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, featured remarks from U.S. Congressman Carlos Giménez (R-FL), UANI Chairman Governor Jeb Bush, and UANI CEO Ambassador Mark D. Wallace.

Speakers warned that the Iranian-made Shahed-136 has become a ubiquitous weapon of mass terror and indiscriminate destruction and poses an increasing threat not only to U.S. forces overseas but also to the American homeland.

Public reports suggest that Cuba has acquired more than 300 military drones and recently began discussions to use them to attack U.S. bases at Guantánamo Bay and Key West, Florida. Since 2023, Cuba has been acquiring military drones from Russia and Iran. The Iranian regime has also used the Shahed-136 drone to kill Americans and U.S. allies.

Speaking alongside the drone, Congressman Carlos Giménez described its destructive capability: “This particular model carries 100 lbs of explosives. That's a pretty big bang, and it's why they call them kamikaze drones. They crash into their target and explode." He added: "This has a range of about 2,500 kilometers, which from Cuba can reach all the way to New York."

UANI Chairman Governor Jeb Bush underscored the deadly impact of drones on U.S. forces, describing it as causing: "The most loss of life of the U.S. military by any single weapon over the last fifteen years,” adding, this is a new threat to the world.”

UANI CEO Ambassador Mark D. Wallace warned that Iran's military cooperation with Cuba has direct implications for U.S. security and that the Shahed-136 is the true face of the Iranian regime. Wallace added that the United States "must ensure that the Iranian regime does not have the reach to come into the Straits of Florida like they are impacting the Strait of Hormuz."

National and local media covered UANI’s event at the Biltmore. This includes:

Miami Herald: Cuban drone crisis: Ira­nian tech­no­logy may pose secur­ity threat in Miami’s back­yard;

CBS News: South Florida officials warn of potential drone dangers in Cuba;

Fox News: Fmr UN ambassador warns of Iranian drone weapons in Cuba, says strikes on US ‘highly possible’;

Fox News: Jeb Bush praises Trump for crippling Iran’s military, but warns of ‘threat’ to US from reported drones in Cuba;

Politico: Drone Talk in Coral Gables;

The Hill: Jeb Bush Raises Alarm Over Iranian Drones in Cuba;

NBC News Miami: Iranian drone displayed in South Florida; and

Local 10 News: Iranian drone display in Coral Gables raises concerns about Cuba’s military ties.

This event follows UANI’s similar displays of the Iranian Shahed-136 drone across the world, including on Capitol Hill, at the United Nations, at the U.K. Parliament, and at the Munich Security Conference.