WASHINGTON — The Pentagon is quietly stepping up preparations for a potential military operation in Cuba, waiting for possible orders from President Donald Trump as tensions between the United States and the communist island continue to rise.
Two sources familiar with the planning spoke to USA TODAY on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. The moves mark an escalation in a standoff that began in January when the Trump administration restricted oil shipments to Cuba as part of a broader effort to push for major political changes on the island.
USA TODAY reached out to the Department of Defense and U.S. Southern Command for comment but had not received a response at the time of publication.
Reports of the planning first surfaced on Zeteo’s Substack and quickly spread on Capitol Hill and throughout Washington. While the United States and Cuba have both said they are in early talks to resolve the crisis, it remains unclear how much either side is willing to give.
In March, USA TODAY reported that the two countries were discussing a possible historic economic agreement that could ease long-standing tensions. Cuba has even offered an economic roadmap to the U.S., signaling openness to cooperation on business and reforms despite the pressure from Washington.
Trump’s Comments Fuel Speculation
Even as the Trump administration focuses on the ongoing conflict with Iran, friction with Cuba has grown in recent weeks. Trump has made bold statements suggesting he expects to have the “honor” of “taking Cuba, in some form.” He added, “Whether I free it, take it — I think I can do anything I want with it.”
On April 13, Trump told USA TODAY at the White House, “We may stop by Cuba after we’re finished with this,” referring to the situation in Iran.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel responded firmly in a recent Newsweek interview. He vowed that Cuba would defend itself if attacked, saying, “We will battle, we will defend ourselves, and should we fall in battle, to die for the homeland is to live.” Díaz-Canel described Cuba’s defense strategy as a “war of all the people,” a defensive approach involving the entire population rather than an aggressive one.
Echoes of the Venezuela Operation
The planning comes after a U.S. operation in January that removed former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power in Caracas. During that raid, 32 Cuban military personnel guarding Maduro were killed. The action sent shockwaves through Cuban and Venezuelan exile communities in South Florida and raised questions about whether Cuba could be next.
For decades, U.S. officials have considered various forms of intervention in Cuba, dating back to Fidel Castro’s 1959 revolution and the island’s later alliance with the Soviet Union and communism.
Background of the Crisis
The current tensions stem largely from U.S. efforts to cut off oil supplies to Cuba, which has relied heavily on shipments from Venezuela. The January operation in Venezuela disrupted that flow, worsening Cuba’s economic struggles and leading to frequent blackouts and hardship for ordinary Cubans.
Cuba has proposed economic cooperation with the U.S. as a way forward, while Trump has floated ideas of a “friendly takeover” — though his recent comments suggest a more forceful approach remains on the table.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides acknowledging talks but showing little sign of quick compromise. Any military move would carry significant risks, given Cuba’s history of resistance and its location just 90 miles from Florida.
This story is developing.
