Politico: Trump administration weighs military options against Cuba

The Trump administration is increasingly considering military action against Cuba after its economic and diplomatic pressure campaign failed to produce significant political or economic reforms, according to Politico.

A U.S. official and another person familiar with internal discussions said President Donald Trump and his advisers have grown frustrated with the effectiveness of measures including sanctions and restrictions on fuel supplies to the island.

“The mood has definitely changed,” said the person familiar with discussions, adding: “The initial idea on Cuba was that the leadership was weak and that the combination of stepped-up sanctions enforcement, really an oil blockade, and clear U.S. military wins in Venezuela and Iran would scare the Cubans into making a deal. Now Iran has gone sideways, and the Cubans are proving much tougher than originally thought. So now military action is on the table in a way that it wasn’t before.”

According to the sources, U.S. military planners are reviewing a range of options, from limited airstrikes intended to pressure Havana to a broader intervention scenario. Officials said the planning process has included early-stage contingency work by the U.S. Southern Command United States Southern Command.

A White House official reiterated that planning is still preliminary and no decision has been made.

The official added: “It’s the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the commander-in-chief maximum optionality. It does not mean the president has made a decision.”

By Sabina Mammadli