Recent U.S. military planning for potential operations involving Cuba centers on internal Army Reserve assessments for support units such as logistics, engineering, medical, and military police assets to U.S. Southern Command within 90-120 days. These steps follow earlier 2026 contingency reviews, including options for an air assault by the 101st Airborne Division, amid a broader maximum-pressure campaign of oil-related sanctions, secondary sanctions, and tariffs targeting third-country suppliers. President Trump has publicly downplayed immediate military needs, stating a preference for a negotiated deal to open the island and citing Cuba’s economic strains, while administration officials have signaled openness to talks tied to leadership changes. Scheduled U.N. General Assembly proceedings and any further executive actions could influence trader assessments of escalation risks versus diplomatic resolution.