Recent statements by President Trump on November 12–13, expressing willingness to “certainly consider” a short military campaign to resolve the Cuba situation before leaving office in 2029, have sharpened focus on potential U.S. action. These comments follow months of intensified sanctions, an energy blockade, and U.S. naval and reconnaissance activity in the Caribbean after the January 2026 operation that removed Venezuela’s Maduro. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose family background ties to Cuba, has been positioned as a central figure. Cuba has responded with nationwide defense exercises, civilian training under its “War of All the People” doctrine, and public warnings of resistance. Ongoing fuel interdictions, expanded sanctions targeting electronics and maritime networks, and limited back-channel contacts continue without formal negotiations. Post-midterm Republican setbacks and the extended Iran engagement add political constraints on escalation timelines.