U.S. Weighs Military Action Against Cuba Amid Pressure Campaign

The United States Department of Defense is examining military contingency options for action against Cuba, including a potential air assault involving thousands of soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division. While senior officials describe these as routine exercises rather than a formal decision by Donald Trump, the planning coincides with the collapse of Cuba's national power grid and reports of the regime losing control.

President Trump has ordered investigations into whether Iran has stockpiled suicide drones or missiles on the island, asserting that the U.S. will address the situation if such weapons are found. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth further warned that Cuba would be inviting a confrontation it could not survive if it procured weapons capable of reaching the American homeland or the U.S. Naval base at Guantánamo Bay.

Parallel to military planning, the administration is pursuing a maximum pressure campaign. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has tightened sanctions on the military-controlled conglomerate GAESA and other state entities, while advocating for a diplomatic transition to a technocratic government. Other escalations include the U.S. Department of Justice indicting 95-year-old former leader Raul Castro and a May visit to Havana by CIA Director John Ratcliffe to warn Cuban officials that expanded engagement requires fundamental changes.

Immediate military action is considered unlikely by some officials, as primary offensive capabilities remain committed to renewed operations against Iran.