U.S. Eyes Cuba While Fighting Iran: A Simple Explaination

What’s Happening Right Now?

Imagine two big situations happening at once for the United States:

• The U.S. and Iran started fighting again after a ceasefire (a pause in fighting) that lasted a few weeks fell apart.
• At the same time, U.S. military planners are quietly looking at another possible trouble spot much closer to home: Cuba.

Looking at Possible Action Against Cuba

Here’s what we know in simple terms:

• In recent weeks, military planners looked at different options for possible action against Cuba.
• One idea was an Army-led air attack using thousands of U.S. soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division (a special Army group trained for this kind of job).
• U.S. officials spoke secretly to CBS News because talking about national security can be sensitive.
• These officials said the planning talks do not mean President Trump or the Pentagon (the U.S. military headquarters) decided to actually do anything yet.

Important: The briefings are just early planning. No final decision has been made to attack Cuba.

Why Cuba Is a Tough Target

Doing anything in Cuba would be hard because:

• A lot of the U.S. military’s attention and best weapons are already busy elsewhere (like the Middle East).
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the U.S. would rather use talking (diplomacy) to help Cuba get a new government run by technical experts who make economic changes.
• That talking has stalled (stopped moving forward).
• The U.S. has been squeezing Cuba’s money by targeting the military and its big company called GAESA (an $18 billion military-controlled business group).
• In a July 11 statement, Rubio said Cuba’s leaders and "corrupt elites" refuse to change and keep total control using a "morally bankrupt Marxist ideology" (a strict government style the U.S. disagrees with).

The State Department also said it tightened money limits on Cuban state groups that fund the regime and paramilitary forces (like rapid response brigades) that control the people.

Early Military Planning Briefings

Late last month:

1. The U.S. military held a "concept-of-operations" meeting.
2. They discussed early-stage options for missions that could happen.
3. These meetings are normal — they look at goals, troop numbers, steps, supplies, and risks.

But officials told CBS News that moving focus to Cuba is unlikely right now because the Iran fight restarted last week and the military moved planes, spies, and tools to the Middle East.

Behind-the-Scenes Friction in the Trump Team

While fighting Iran, some tension appeared between President Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth (an Army veteran and former TV host):

• Trump privately felt frustrated with "Operation Epic Fury" (the Iran war name).
• He thought the U.S. missed a chance earlier this year to avoid a long fight by saying no to an Iranian offer to limit its nuclear program.
• Hegseth pushed for a tougher approach on Iran even when General Dan Caine (top military advisor) had doubts.
• Trump also got annoyed when Hegseth and Caine mentioned military limits.
• Some officials were upset with Navy Admiral Brad Cooper for overselling what the military could do.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said the president is "extraordinarily proud" of Hegseth and Cooper, saying the operation destroyed Iran’s missiles, factories, navy, and air defenses, proving the U.S. "can attack anywhere, anytime."

Acting Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez said they don’t talk about hypothetical (made-up or possible) operations or Hegseth’s private talks.

Cuba as a Security Challenge

Cuba brings new worries:

• CBS News reported Cuba got attack drones (flying robots) from unknown sellers.
• At Guantanamo Bay (a U.S. base in Cuba) in June, Hegseth warned Cuba not to get weapons that could hit the base or America.
• Cuba and the U.S. argue over Guantanamo: after the 1959 revolution, Castro refused rent checks, saying the 1903 lease is invalid.
• Hegseth said the U.S. is showing military options to Trump but hopes to be "a friend" of Cuba’s leaders.

U.S. intelligence says Cuba is not a standalone threat but helps bigger rivals like Russia, China, and Iran. The 2026 threat report says Cuba itself doesn’t have big military power against the U.S.

In May, CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Havana and said the U.S. could expand economic help if Cuba makes "fundamental changes."

But Ratcliffe also brought an operator who helped capture a Venezuelan leader, introducing him to Cubans as someone who killed their allies. Days later, the U.S. indicted (formally accused) 95-year-old former leader Raul Castro and five others for a 1996 plane shootdown. Some think this could lead to an arrest like in Venezuela, but sources say they’d rather the Castro family leave voluntarily.

How Trump’s Cuba Policy Changed

The hard line didn’t appear suddenly. Over 18 months, the White House dropped old friendly policies and used money, diplomacy, and law to pressure Cuba.

Key Steps Since January 2025

1. January 2025: Trump reversed Biden’s decision and重新 labeled Cuba a "state sponsor of terrorism," cutting its access to international money.
2. Rubio’s restrictions: Blocked business with GAESA, the military company.
3. Visa limits: Broadened against Cuban medical missions abroad (Cuba says they are voluntary; U.S. says exploitation).
4. Mid-2025 memo: A new rule expanded limits on travel, money sending, and trade.
5. This year: Trump called Cuba an "unusual threat" and sanctioned foreign oil suppliers, officials, and President Diaz-Canel.

Cuba faces fuel shortages and blackouts. Cuba blames U.S. sanctions; the U.S. blames Cuba’s own bad management.

Summary

The U.S. is fighting Iran again but also quietly planning for possible action against Cuba, though no decision is made. Military resources are stretched. Trump’s team has internal disagreements on Iran. Cuba is pressured by sanctions and asked to change, while the U.S. says it prefers peace but warns against threats. Planning and diplomacy continue behind the scenes.

FAQ

Q1: Is the U.S. definitely going to attack Cuba?
No. Officials say the meetings are just early planning and no order has been given.

Q2: Why is the U.S. focused on Iran instead of Cuba right now?
Because the Iran war restarted and many troops, planes, and spy tools were sent there, leaving less for Cuba.

Q3: What is GAESA?
It is a giant Cuban military-owned business group that the U.S. says controls much of Cuba’s money and is worth about $18 billion.

Q4: What does the U.S. want from Cuba?
The U.S. says it wants Cuba to make economic and political changes, and it prefers a peaceful transition over military action.

Q5: Why is Guantanamo Bay a point of argument?
The U.S. rents it since 1903, but Cuba says the lease is invalid and stopped cashing checks after 1959.