U.S. Department of Defense officials are studying contingency plans for possible military action against Cuba, including an airborne operation, although no final decision has yet been made, several U.S. officials familiar with the discussions told CBS News.

The discussions took place amid increased pressure by the Trump administration on Havana, but officials said the renewed war with Iran makes any action against Cuba unlikely for now.

Officials emphasized that these briefings do not indicate that Trump or the Pentagon have made a decision to carry out any operation. 

Any operation against Cuba would pose a significant challenge for the Pentagon, since much of the U.S. military’s attention and some of its most valuable offensive capabilities are already committed elsewhere. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed that the U.S. prefers a diplomatic path toward a new government led by technocrats ready for economic reforms.

At the end of last month, the U.S. military held a briefing to discuss preliminary military planning options for specific missions, officials said. Such briefings are regularly conducted by the Department of Defense and combat commands for various contingencies and examine mission objectives, required troop levels, the sequence of events, logistical aspects, and associated risks. 

The Pentagon has shifted aviation assets, intelligence services, and other resources from other geographic regions to the Middle East to support operations against Iran. Officials said a pivot to Cuba at this moment is unlikely, given the resumption of military operations against Iran last week. 

According to sources familiar with the situation, behind the scenes the war with Iran has revealed some friction between President Trump and Hegseth.

Although Trump has at times praised Hegseth and various military operations during his second term, he has privately expressed disappointment with the course of Operation Epic Fury, believing that the administration missed an opportunity to prevent a prolonged conflict earlier this year by rejecting Iran’s offer to limit its nuclear program, officials said.