Washington — As the U.S.-Iran conflict reignites, senior Pentagon officials are also focusing on Cuba as a potential flashpoint. Military planners have recently examined various options for possible action against the island, including an Army-led air assault involving thousands of U.S. soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division, the only unit trained for such an operation. These discussions, reported by multiple U.S. officials speaking anonymously to CBS News, do not indicate a finalized decision by President Trump or the Pentagon to proceed with any operation.

Any military action against Cuba presents challenges, as much of the U.S. military's resources are currently engaged elsewhere. Meanwhile, efforts to pressure the Cuban military and its conglomerate GAESA—an $18 billion military-controlled holding company—have stalled.

On July 11, Senator Marco Rubio criticized the Cuban regime and its leadership for refusing reforms and maintaining control through what he described as a "morally bankrupt Marxist ideology." The State Department has tightened financial restrictions on Cuba's state-owned entities, which it says funnel revenue to the regime and paramilitary forces that repress the Cuban people, including rapid response brigades.

Cuba and the U.S. have a longstanding dispute over a facility lease dating back to 1903, which Fidel Castro refused to honor after the 1959 Cuban Revolution, claiming the lease was invalid. Days after a recent visit, the Justice Department indicted 95-year-old former Cuban leader Raul Castro and five others on charges related to the 1996 shootdown of two U.S. planes.

A spokesperson declined to comment on hypothetical military operations. Meanwhile, Cuban officials have warned that it would be unwise for their government to acquire weapons capable of reaching U.S. bases or the American homeland, as it would provoke an unwanted confrontation.

Sources also noted that President Trump has expressed frustration with the progress of Operation Epic Fury, a separate military effort, believing earlier opportunities to limit conflict were missed.

Sources