Administration Has Been Hunting for a Cuban Official Who Could Take Over in Havana, Officials Tell the Times

The administration has been looking for a current or former Cuban official who could be persuaded to take over the government in Havana, current and former U.S. officials told The New York Times on Aug. 7. Multiple officials said few pragmatic figures would be positioned to take over if U.S. forces captured Raúl Castro or the leadership were otherwise forced out.

Searching for a successor is a different order of activity from sanctions or diplomatic pressure, and the framing the officials describe places it alongside contingency planning for the use of force. Congress has not authorized military action against Cuba and no operation has been announced.

The account rests on unnamed officials and has not been confirmed by the administration. No presidential finding or authorization has been made public.