United States seeks new leadership for Cuba to drive regime realignment

The United States government is actively seeking a potential new leader for Cuba, aiming for a realignment of the current regime rather than its total dismantling. According to reports, the Trump administration has directed intelligence agencies to identify a pragmatic official—similar to the model of Delcy Rodríguez in Venezuela—who could assume power and collaborate with Washington.

Intelligence assessments suggest that Cuba's political structure more closely resembles Iran than Venezuela, noting a lack of pragmatic officials capable of taking power if current leadership, including former president Raúl Castro, is removed. Many figures waiting in the wings are considered hardliners.

In an effort to drive change, the U.S. has presented Cuban leaders with a list of demands, including economic liberalization, opening markets to American companies, purchasing U.S. oil, and expelling Russian and Chinese intelligence agents. In exchange, the U.S. has offered incentives such as increased humanitarian aid and the easing of certain economic sanctions.