The United States has increased its intelligence assets in Cuba in recent months as the Trump administration intensifies pressure on the communist government.

Axar.az reports, citing Politico, that the U.S. had recently sent additional spies and intelligence assets to Cuba and increased its CIA presence.

According to the report, the expanded intelligence effort could support a range of options, including attempts to encourage defections within the Cuban government or preparations for potential military action.

"The administration is going to pursue all the conventional tools, including intelligence community resources" to pressure Cuba's leadership, one source said, adding that President Donald Trump continues to "prefer diplomacy."

CIA spies are generally either natives of other countries who steal secrets on behalf of the U.S., known as “agents,” or salaried U.S. intelligence professionals who recruit foreigners to do so, known as “officers.” The CIA, which has a paramilitary wing, also uses various technological and other means to carry out its activities.

The report said the administration has simultaneously increased pressure on Cuba through an energy blockade and intensified public criticism of the government while maintaining its focus on the conflict with Iran.

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