US Denies Imminent Military Action Against Cuba

WASHINGTON - The United States is not planning imminent military action against Cuba despite President Donald Trump's repeated threats that the island nation is next on his list and that American warships returning from the Middle East could pass by Havana, according to U.S. officials familiar with the matter.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private preliminary talks with Cuban authorities, said the Trump administration has offered tens of millions of dollars in humanitarian aid, two years of free Starlink internet access for all Cubans, agricultural assistance and infrastructure support. Cuba has not outright rejected the proposal, though the officials expressed pessimism about acceptance given the conditions attached, which include the release of political prisoners, an end to political and religious repression, and greater openness to U.S. private sector investment. These demands run counter to long-standing Cuban resistance.

The overture comes amid heightened tensions following new sanctions imposed Thursday by the Treasury and State departments. Trump signed an executive order last week expanding the administration's authority to penalize...