US Navy warships, Marines Moved Near Cuba as Donald Trump Hints at Possible Action

The United States has reportedly expanded its military presence near Cuba over recent months, positioning warships, Marines and surveillance assets in moves.

That analysts say could provide Washington with the capability to launch rapid military action if tensions escalate further. According to a Politico report, the Pentagon’s deployment includes the USS Nimitz carrier strike group, guided missile destroyers, cruisers and advanced surveillance systems monitoring Cuban territory as President Donald Trump continues publicly hinting at the possibility of intervention.

The report said the military build-up has created a substantial US operational presence in the region even as economic pressure on Havana continues to intensify.

Among the assets reportedly being prepared for possible deployment is the USS Kearsarge amphibious readiness group, carrying roughly 2,500 Marines. The ships could replace vessels already operating nearby and provide Washington with additional operational flexibility.

Military experts cited in the report said the positioning of these assets gives the United States several strategic options ranging from intimidation and deterrence to targeted strikes against key Cuban infrastructure and leadership facilities.

Former Pentagon official Mark Cancian reportedly described the deployment of the USS Nimitz as largely intended to pressure Havana psychologically, though he acknowledged the strike group could support direct military operations if ordered.

The report also cited comments by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reportedly warned during a Cabinet meeting that Cuba was “in a lot of trouble” and argued that instability on the island represented a national security concern for the United States.

At the same time, the expanding military posture has reportedly triggered concerns within the Pentagon over the growing strain on American naval forces.

Several ships involved in the deployment have allegedly remained at sea for nearly 10 months — considerably longer than standard deployment cycles. Defence officials reportedly fear prolonged operations could affect crew readiness, morale and maintenance schedules.

Meanwhile, the Cuban government has intensified diplomatic efforts at the international level, accusing Washington of pushing the country toward a humanitarian crisis.

According to AFP, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla appealed before the United Nations Security Council for urgent international intervention to prevent what he described as catastrophic consequences stemming from US pressure and energy restrictions.

Rodriguez reportedly warned that Cuba was facing severe economic distress due to fuel shortages, food scarcity and repeated nationwide blackouts, conditions Havana says have worsened after reductions in Venezuelan oil supplies and tightening US measures.

The Cuban government has also accused Washington of attempting to create a justification for regime change after the Trump administration indicted former Cuban president Raúl Castro in connection with the 1996 downing of two US-based aircraft.

Rodriguez rejected American claims that Cuba poses a national security threat, saying such allegations were politically motivated and lacked credibility. Trump has repeatedly fuelled speculation about possible military action in recent weeks.

According to AP, the US President openly discussed the possibility of intervention while speaking to reporters at the White House, saying previous administrations had considered acting against Cuba for decades. “It looks like I’ll be the one who does it,” Trump reportedly said, adding that he would be prepared to act if necessary.

Rubio has simultaneously argued that Cuba’s ties with geopolitical rivals such as China and Russia pose strategic concerns for Washington.

Despite the increasingly aggressive rhetoric, reports indicate senior US officials — including Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe — have held discussions with Cuban representatives in recent months, though the talks reportedly failed to produce meaningful progress.

Rubio reportedly said the Cuban leadership was attempting to delay negotiations while waiting for political circumstances in Washington to change, adding that the Trump administration remained “very serious” about the issue.