Pentagon drafts preliminary strike plans against Cuba

The Pentagon has developed preliminary military options for potential action against Cuba, including plans for a large-scale air assault involving thousands of U.S. soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division, according to officials familiar with the discussions. The planning was discussed during a routine concept-of-operations briefing in late June, a standard process to evaluate contingencies. Officials stressed that the briefing does not indicate President Donald Trump has decided to authorize military action and that an attack is unlikely in the near term, given the U.S. military's heavy engagement in the renewed conflict with Iran.

The military planning coincides with an intensifying campaign of economic and diplomatic pressure on Havana. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated the U.S. prefers a negotiated transition to a technocratic government willing to implement reforms, but the administration has steadily expanded sanctions. Recent targets include Cuba's Ministry of Tourism, the state-owned energy company Cupet, and the military-controlled conglomerate GAESA, which controls a significant portion of the Cuban economy.

Tensions have been further heightened by U.S....