The administration of US President Donald Trump is increasing pressure on Cuba while seeking potential alternative leaders to the current government, according to current and former US officials cited in a report published on August 8, 2026. Washington is also examining possible routes to change Cuba’s government if talks with Havana’s ruling authorities fail. Officials described the effort as a strategy for changing leadership from within the existing system rather than a direct plan to overthrow the government.

The US administration is looking for a current or former Cuban official considered pragmatic and willing to work with Washington. Intelligence assessments, however, indicate that Cuba more closely resembles Iran than Venezuela, with few officials able to cooperate closely with the United States after a sudden power shift. Oscar Perez-Oliva Fraga, Raul Gonzalez Rodriguez Castro and Interior Minister Lazaro Alberto Alvarez Casas are among figures discussed as possible alternatives.

Washington has demanded that Havana open its economy further, allow US businesses into its market, buy oil from the United States, and reduce or end Russian and Chinese intelligence activity. It has reportedly offered humanitarian assistance and possible easing of some sanctions in return. CIA has secretly created a Cuba-focused task force, while Cuba has strengthened defensive measures amid concerns over a possible US military operation.