Why did president Kennedy opted for a naval blockade over either air strikes or a direct invasion of cuba?

President Kennedy chose a naval blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis to avoid escalating tensions into a full-scale war, particularly with the Soviet Union. A blockade was seen as a more measured response that would allow for peaceful resolution while still demonstrating U.S. resolve. This option aimed to prevent further delivery of Soviet missiles to Cuba without provoking an immediate military confrontation, which could have had catastrophic consequences. Additionally, a blockade provided time for diplomacy and negotiation while maintaining pressure on the Soviet leadership.