The New York Times reports that the Trump administration is searching for a Cuban official, current or former, who could be persuaded to take over power in Havana, as part of a pressure campaign on the island. The plan aims for a 'regime shift' modeled on Venezuela rather than a 'regime change' as planned for Iran. Intelligence assessments reportedly warn that Cuba is more like Iran, with most senior officials belonging to the hardline faction, making such a scenario difficult.
The New York Times reported early Saturday that the Trump administration is actively seeking a Cuban official, either currently in power or formerly, who could be persuaded to take the reins in Havana, as part of an intensifying pressure campaign. The plan, according to the report, is geared toward a 'regime shift' — akin to the transition in Venezuela after the fall of Nicolás Maduro — rather than a full 'regime change' as was envisioned for Iran. The administration is reportedly pressing intelligence agencies to identify a figure comparable to Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's vice president who assumed power after his detention. However, intelligence assessments caution that Cuba is more analogous to Iran, with most senior officials belonging to the hardline faction, making the identification of a willing successor challenging.
The Zioneer has previously covered the administration's evolving strategies in the region, including its reported role in Venezuela's post-Maduro transition (July 12) and the reconsideration of regime change in Iran (July 21). The current report underscores the administration's willingness to pursue different models of regime change depending on the target country's internal dynamics.
What remains unclear is whether a suitable Cuban figure exists and whether the administration's intelligence community can locate someone willing to cooperate. The report did not specify which agencies are involved or the timeline for the effort.
- DevelopingPolitico: US has expanded intelligence assets in Cuba, sent spies to pressure regime
- StrongTrump administration reportedly reconsiders regime change in Iran
- StrongCBS: Pentagon officials weigh military options for Cuba
- DevelopingIsrael advances diplomatic initiative in Lebanon to ease Trump pressure, sources say
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