The administration of US President Donald Trump is considering the possibility of a military operation against Cuba after the end of the conflict with Iran. This was reported by Politico, citing sources familiar with discussions in the White House.
According to the publication, the influential Cuban-American diaspora in Florida is increasing pressure on Washington, demanding not to be limited to economic reforms in Cuba, but to achieve the overthrow of the communist regime. Republican activists and politicians openly call for US intervention and support the idea of a change of power in Havana.
A source familiar with the administration's position said the White House is considering “kinetic measures,” that is, military options against Cuba, although the main emphasis so far is on diplomatic and economic pressure.
Previously, the Trump administration tightened sanctions against Cuba and imposed an energy blockade on the island. At the same time, Washington is simultaneously negotiating with the Cuban authorities on possible economic reforms.
At the same time, the White House fears that a sharp collapse of the regime in Cuba could provoke a migration crisis off the coast of Florida, as well as provoke a reaction from the aggressor country Russia and China, which support Havana.
A majority of Cuban exiles in Florida support U.S. military intervention or other measures to overthrow the Cuban leadership, according to a Miami Herald poll.
Politico notes that Trump's foreign policy has generally prioritized U.S. economic interests over human rights and democracy. It cites the January capture and ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as leaving much of the regime in Caracas in power in exchange for economic cooperation with the United States.
