The Pentagon is considering possible scenarios for military action against Cuba
Against the backdrop of renewed hostilities between the US and Iran, senior Pentagon officials are also monitoring the situation regarding Cuba. This is according to CBS News, citing several US officials familiar with the discussions.
According to the channel’s sources, in recent weeks military planners have been analysing various options for possible action, including an operation involving the US Army and the deployment of thousands of troops from the 101st Airborne Division.
At the same time, officials emphasised that the briefings do not mean that President Donald Trump or the Ministry of Defence has decided to carry out a military operation.
According to CBS News, in late June the US military held a conceptual briefing during which initial options for possible missions were considered. Such planning, it is noted, is standard practice for the US Department of Defence and military commands in relation to various potential scenarios and involves assessing the required troop numbers, logistics, risks and sequence of actions.
At the same time, a significant proportion of US military resources is currently tied up in operations in the Middle East. According to CBS News’ sources, a shift in focus to Cuba in the near future is unlikely due to the resumption of hostilities against Iran.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has previously stated that Washington favours a diplomatic solution and supports Cuba’s transition to a new government prepared to undertake economic reforms. The State Department also announced the tightening of financial restrictions on Cuban state bodies which, according to the US, provide funding for the regime and paramilitary groups.
In a statement on 11 July, Marco Rubio noted that the Cuban authorities and their “corrupt elites” are refusing to implement reforms and continue to maintain complete control over the country.
According to CBS News, the Pentagon has also been discussing new security challenges relating to Cuba. The broadcaster had previously reported that Cuba had acquired attack drones of unknown origin. During a visit to the Guantanamo naval base on 10 June, US Defence Secretary Pete Hagseth stated that Cuba’s access to weapons capable of reaching the base or US territory could lead to a confrontation.
Following Donald Trump’s return to the White House, the US administration resumed its policy of maximum pressure on Cuba. Washington has reinstated the country on the list of state sponsors of terrorism, tightened economic sanctions, restrictions on financial transactions, remittances and travel, and extended restrictions on companies linked to Cuba’s military structures.
According to CBS News, in May, the Director of the US Central Intelligence Agency, John Ratcliffe, visited Havana, where he held talks with Cuban officials. During the talks, he signalled the US’s readiness to expand economic and security cooperation, provided Cuba implemented fundamental changes.
In its annual March threat assessment, the US intelligence community characterised Cuba primarily as an environment that creates opportunities for the activities of other US geopolitical rivals, rather than as a strategic military threat in its own right.
