Foto Reuters/ U.S. President Donald Trump against the backdrop of the Cuban flag
A similar increase in intelligence activity has previously been observed before major U.S. operations abroad, Meduza writes with reference to CNN. In particular, similar dynamics were recorded shortly before the events in Venezuela in January 2026 and before the start of the U.S. operation against Iran in February.
At the same time, the administration of President Donald Trump has noticeably toughened its rhetoric against Cuba. In recent weeks, Trump has publicly endorsed statements of intent to visit “free Havana” before the end of his presidential term, and later announced an oil embargo on the island.
Since Trump’s return to the White House in 2025, relations between the U.S. and Cuba have once again deteriorated sharply. Since early 2026, Washington has increased sanctions and economic pressure on the island, effectively restricting fuel shipments by sea. This triggered a massive energy crisis in Cuba, with power outages and fuel shortages. Trump himself has previously said that the Cuban authorities faced “serious problems” and the US was ready to consider a scenario of a “friendly takeover” of the island.
