US military contingency planning for Cuba has accelerated under the Trump administration amid intensified economic sanctions, including a January 2026 fuel blockade and restrictions on trade partners that have deepened Cuba's energy, food, and humanitarian crises. In September, reports detailed Army Reserve assessments of support units such as military police, medical, engineering, and logistics capabilities for potential use by US Southern Command within 90-120 days, building on earlier reconnaissance and option reviews including air assault scenarios. President Trump labeled Cuba a "failed state" at the UN General Assembly and called for fundamental change while stating he expects a deal and does not anticipate needing military force. Cuban officials have condemned any intervention as an international crime, rejected regime-change framing, and emphasized defensive preparations. These developments reflect ongoing pressure without confirmed deployment orders or imminent action.