US military planners have examined a range of options for possible action against Cuba, including an army-led air assault involving thousands of American soldiers, according to CBS News.
Multiple US officials with knowledge of the discussions revealed that the air assault would be carried out by the 101st Airborne Division, the only unit trained for such a mission.
However, officials emphasised that the contingency planning does not mean President Donald Trump or the Pentagon has decided to launch an operation.
Any military action against Cuba would face major challenges because significant US military resources remain tied to operations against Iran, report says.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has continued to favour a diplomatic transition to a technocratic Cuban government willing to pursue economic reforms.
However, that effort has stalled despite increased US financial pressure on Cuba's military and its conglomerate, GAESA.
In a July 11 statement, Rubio said the regime continues to reject reform, instead perpetuating total control and adherence to a "morally bankrupt Marxist ideology."
The State Department has also expanded sanctions targeting Cuban state-owned entities.
With aircraft, intelligence assets and other capabilities already shifted to the Middle East, officials said a move against Cuba is unlikely in the near term, given renewed operations against Iran.
The Pentagon held a concept-of-operations briefing last month to examine early-stage military options, evaluating mission objectives, troop requirements and logistics.
