Donald Trump has reportedly instructed the Pentagon to draw up plans for a military strike on Cuba, following the collapse of his Iran strategy. According to a Politico report, senior administration officials are warning the US President that Cuba poses an increasing national security threat due to its ties with Russia, China and Iran.
The US Southern Command has convened a planning series over recent weeks, with analysts noting that the odds of Trump attacking Cuba are rising. “The mood has definitely changed,” a source familiar with discussions said. “Now military action is on the table in a way that it wasn't before.” Trump himself has suggested Cuba could be next, saying earlier this year that the regime was “going to fall” under American pressure.
Options under consideration include naval blockades, drone strikes and operations targeting Cuban military infrastructure. The renewed focus on Cuba follows international backlash over Trump's aggressive Iran stance, which sent oil prices soaring and alarmed Republicans. Analysts suggest Cuba may be seen as a politically easier target, given its proximity to the US and hostility towards Havana among Cuban-Americans in Florida.
US intelligence claims Cuba has obtained more than 300 military drones from Russia and Iran since 2023. American officials are also monitoring alleged discussions within the Cuban military about possible strikes on Guantanamo Bay and Key West. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel warned any American assault would spark a “bloodbath” and damage regional stability, while Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla accused Washington of fabricating a crisis to justify intervention.
Over 30 Democratic lawmakers have called on Trump to rule out military action, cautioning that inflammatory language could trigger a humanitarian catastrophe across the Caribbean. The White House has not publicly confirmed any military plans.
