Overview
- USA TODAY reported Wednesday that the Pentagon has quietly ramped up plans for a possible operation in Cuba if President Trump orders it, citing two anonymous sources after a similar Zeteo post circulated in Washington.
- A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment, and U.S. Southern Command said it knew nothing of Cuba plans, pointing to March testimony from its commander denying active invasion rehearsals.
- Trump, who has tightened restrictions on Cuba’s fuel supplies since January, told reporters Monday that the U.S. may “stop by Cuba” after the Iran war and has previously spoken of having the “honor” of “taking” the island.
- Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, speaking Thursday at a Bay of Pigs anniversary rally, said the country does not seek conflict but is ready to fight, as blackouts, fuel shortages, and strained hospitals worsen under U.S. energy limits and only temporary relief from a Russian tanker delivery in late March.
- Diplomatic contacts continue with little detail, and several lawmakers have floated war-powers steps to curb any unauthorized strike, while analysts quoted in coverage describe the planning chatter as signaling rather than evidence of imminent action.