Related videos:
The recent leaks regarding alleged military options by the United States against Cuba reflect a hardening of the rhetoric of the Donald Trump administration towards the Cuban regime, amid the worsening economic and energy crisis on the island.
An article published by the magazine Politico, authored by foreign affairs correspondent Nahal Toosi, states that U.S. officials have begun to consider military action scenarios “more seriously” after months of economic pressure with no visible results on Havana.
According to the publication, the White House expected that the tightening of sanctions, the restrictions on fuel, and regional pressure following events in Venezuela and Iran would push the Cuban regime to negotiate economic and political reforms. However, cited sources claim that Washington now perceives that the Cuban government "is resisting more than expected."
"The mood has definitely changed," declared a source close to the internal discussions, according to the report.
Leaks, pressure, and signals from Washington
The U.S. Southern Command has reportedly begun planning exercises for various contingency scenarios related to Cuba. Among the options being considered are limited operations as well as broader actions, although U.S. officials emphasize that no decision has been made.
A White House official quoted by the outlet stated that the Pentagon “must prepare options” for the president, but clarified that this does not imply a direct order for intervention.
In recent days, the change in tone of Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also stood out, as he recently stated to Fox News that he does not believe it is possible to "change the course of Cuba while these people are in charge."
According to several analysts, the leaks could be part of a psychological and political pressure strategy against the Cuban regime, at a particularly delicate moment for the island.
In recent weeks, there have been increasing signs of escalation: new U.S. sanctions, reports of surveillance flights, accusations of military cooperation among Cuba, Russia, and Iran, and the visit to Havana by CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
During that trip, regarded as the highest-level contact between both governments on Cuban territory since 2016, Ratcliffe communicated that Cuba "can no longer serve as a platform for adversaries of the United States to promote hostile agendas in the hemisphere," according to cited sources.
The Cuban crisis and the fear of further deterioration
Tensions arise as Cuba faces one of the worst economic crises of recent decades, characterized by prolonged blackouts, fuel shortages, inflation, and a decline in basic services.
U.S. officials interviewed believe that the Cuban regime has not shown a willingness to implement deep structural reforms, despite the increasing social discontent.
"The system is so calcified and based on consensus that they live in another reality," stated one of the sources consulted by the magazine.
For his part, the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel reacted this Monday on X, warning that a U.S. military aggression would trigger “a bloodbath with incalculable consequences.”
Although there are no public indications of an imminent operation, the report confirms that the Cuban issue has escalated within strategic discussions in Washington and that the Trump administration's patience with Havana seems to be wearing thin.
Filed under: