US military is not preparing for Cuba takeover, top general tells lawmakers
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
Top U.S. military commander told Congress the Pentagon is not preparing for an invasion of Cuba.
AI Summary
Gen. Francis Donovan, head of US Southern Command, told lawmakers the military is not preparing for or rehearsing an invasion of Cuba, despite Trump's recent comments about potentially taking the island and increased US military activity in the region. Donovan said the Pentagon is ready to respond to threats against the US embassy in Havana, defend Guantanamo Bay, and assist with mass migration from Cuba if necessary. The testimony appears aimed at reassuring Congress that military contingency planning has not shifted toward offensive operations against the island nation. Donovan's clarification comes amid Trump's rhetoric about Cuba and broader administration moves to expand US military posture in Latin America.
What's Being Done
Gen. Francis Donovan testified to lawmakers that the military is not rehearsing Cuba invasion operations, though it is prepared for embassy defense and humanitarian response.
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
PoliticsTrump’s surgeon general pick now says people should get vaccinated for measles
Surgeon General nominee Casey Means, who drew criticism last month for sidestepping a direct endorsement of the measles vaccine during her confirmation hearing, has clarified that she believes people should take the shot, according to written responses obtained by MS NOW. Lawmakers from both parties raised concerns after Means told senators that vaccinations “save lives”…
GlobalFrench top diplomat to visit Beirut: Paris vows solidarity with Lebanon
France's foreign minister will visit Lebanon on Thursday after the EU called on Israel to stop its military strikes on the country. The visit by Jean-Noel Barrot "underlines France's support and solidarity with the Lebanese people, dragged into a war they didn't choose," the foreign ministry said. FRANCE 24's International Affairs Editor Philip Turle tells us more.
National SecurityTop counterterrorism official Kent resigns over Trump's Iran war, says Iran posed no imminent threat - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMilgFBVV95cUxQY3hKc1k0enEwcnVPOWVCLXZqVUdUSGRMZDk2WkExSTlXZ2hobHdRWmZqUDBkVUhCN1JUOGVDblVzRG4yLU5Jc2xhSHdQWG1GRFpzTTY4V05TWTNNMWI0WlgyS1JLTU42MEI4UnAwa3FSMllYWjRCUU5UYkpETUNsal95enVVRXVDdWU5Z2lPRHI3a0Zwa1E?oc=5" target="_blank">Top counterterrorism official Kent resigns over Trump's Iran war, says Iran posed no imminent threat</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
National SecurityChief Justice: 'Personally directed hostility is dangerous, and it's got to stop'
As threats against judges surge, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts says "personally directed hostility is dangerous, and it's got to stop."
National SecurityIsraeli military claims brother of man who attacked Michigan synagogue was Hezbollah commander - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipAFBVV95cUxNaEZ4b2dEQW9BaVVPMFo4MF9Pb0dTUUpkWHFPVUdiMkR2SFhXRzB6azNUdW1VQ0c2aTExMlktanhtV1kxd0NrQVhMNDh1c1gzQ1NPNU5PMFgyaWpwdzV0cEZjekJmOWFvcy01UjVvTW5odTFxNk1LUHVZcUtWLWpsYWlONVdOOXppa2JldTBMZlU2a2FLUUhsb0g4WUxxTFg1bFExdg?oc=5" target="_blank">Israeli military claims brother of man who attacked Michigan synagogue was Hezbollah commander</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
National SecurityTrump mulls risky Kharg Island takeover to force Iran to open strait
<p>The Trump administration is considering plans to occupy or blockade Iran's Kharg Island to pressure Iran to reopen the <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/19/strait-hormuz-coalition-allies-statement-uk" target="_blank">Strait of Hormuz</a>, four sources with knowledge of the issue tell Axios.</p><p><strong>Why it matters:</strong> President Trump can't end the war, at least on his terms, until he breaks <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/13/iran-war-mines-strait-of-hormuz" target="_blank">Iran's chokehold</a> on shipping through the strait. In the meantime, global <a href="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate/oil-companies" target="_blank">energy</a> prices are surging.</p><hr><ul><li>But an operation to take over Kharg Island, which sits 15 miles offshore and processes 90% of Iran's crude oil exports, could put U.S. troops more directly in the line of fire.</li><li>Thus, such an operation would only be launched after the U.S. military further degrades Iran's military capa...

Trump faces his most difficult Iran war decision: Will he deploy U.S. troops to seize uranium?
The president has been circumspect about how far he's willing to go to follow through on his pledge to destroy Iran's weapons program once and for all, including seizing or destroying the near-bomb-grade nuclear material that Iran possesses.
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
Race on to establish globally recognised 'AI-free' logo

Biggest wildfire in Nebraska history continues to burn out of control - abcnews.com

TikTok and Meta risked safety to win algorithm arms race, whistleblowers say

Bank of America reaches proposed, non-binding settlement in Jeffrey Epstein suit

White House registers new ‘alien’-related .gov domains as DOD tackles Trump’s disclosure directive


