Overview
- USA Today, citing two anonymous sources, reported Wednesday that the Pentagon has stepped up contingency planning for a possible operation in Cuba if ordered by President Trump.
- The story first gained traction after a Zeteo Substack post, and U.S. Southern Command later said it knew nothing of such plans as the Pentagon declined to confirm.
- Trump, who has tightened pressure on Cuba this year, said Monday that “we may stop by Cuba after we’re finished with this,” and has spoken of having “the honor” of taking the island.
- Speaking at a Havana rally Thursday, President Miguel Díaz-Canel said Cuba does not seek U.S. aggression but is prepared to fight and expects to defeat an invasion if it comes.
- An effective U.S. oil squeeze, including tariffs, threats to sanction fuel suppliers, and tanker seizures, has deepened blackouts, fuel shortages, and disruptions to hospitals and schools across the island.