USA «They can see Cuba.» After the resolution of the conflict with Iran, which may indicate that ongoing diplomatic talks between Cuba and the United States aimed at de-escalating tensions are progressing poorly.
Rafael McMahonJournalist for Latin America Reports
Source: Source: latinamericareports.com
The United States is preparing options for a possible military operation against Cuba, according to a report in the daily USA Today.
Two sources familiar with the situation told the publication that the Pentagon is increasing its readiness in case US President Donald Trump orders military intervention on the island. — A possibility that Trump and other senior officials in his administration have already discussed.
In response, the Cuban government said that while it did not want an attack from Washington, it was prepared for any possible intervention.
Relations between the two ideological adversaries have become more strained this year than at any point since the end of the Cold War. The United States has removed Cuba’s closest political ally, Nicolas Maduro, from power in Venezuela and imposed a complete blockade of imports of non-state fuel for the first three months of 2026.
However, the start of high-level diplomatic talks between the two countries and the recent arrival of a Russian oil tanker in Cuba. — What Trump said he was against, «no objection» — They showed a growing mutual desire for a peaceful settlement of tensions.
But earlier this week, Trump said the U.S. «They can see Cuba.» After the resolution of the conflict with Iran, which may indicate that ongoing diplomatic talks between Cuba and the United States aimed at de-escalating tensions are progressing poorly.
However, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has repeatedly expressed his desire for peace with the United States in his first interview with American media last Sunday, though he warned that he and the Cuban people would be prepared to fight to defend the island from any aggression from Washington.
In January, Havana ordered its military to prepare for war and conducted nationwide defensive exercises to prepare for a potential invasion from the north, but its ability to withstand a Pentagon-led operation is unknown.
Jennifer Kavanagh, a senior fellow and director of military analysis at the foreign policy think tank Defense Priorities, spoke with Latin America Reports about the likelihood of a U.S. military operation in Cuba.
She suggested that while the leak to USA Today is likely a tactical move in negotiations aimed at forcing the Cuban government to make big concessions, she said. «This [military] operation is being planned... Rubio has made clear that he supports regime change in Cuba. Trump is likely to be happy about a distraction from Iran that he can pass off as a success, too.».
The expert also explained what a potential intervention might look like: «I doubt they will use exiles as it has not worked in the past. A similar approach to Venezuela is possible. The alternative is a more complete capture of the island, which is small and weak.».
Kavanagh also assessed the chances of such an operation succeeding. «[While] the defenders always have the advantage, I believe the United States will be able to overcome the Cuban defense. Holding the island for a long period can be more challenging.».
The U.S. has intervened several times in Cuba, about 90 miles off the coast of Florida. In the early 1900s, the US invaded the island three times to protect its economic interests.
In 1961, after the victory of the Cuban Revolution, Washington also backed an unsuccessful attempt to invade the island by anti-communist Cuban exiles, which became known as the Bay of Pigs invasion.
At today's rally, Diaz-Canel drew parallels between the latest threats and the infamous Cold War-era operation.
«The moment is extremely difficult and calls us again, as on April 16, 1961, to be ready to face serious threats, including military aggression. We don't want it, but we owe it. — Prepare to avoid it, and if it becomes inevitable — defeat».
