Florida: US President Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States would “take care of Cuba” after dealing with Iran, adding that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be sent to conclude a deal with Havana. Trump also suggested that US warships returning from West Asia could stop near the Cuban coast.
“We'll take care of Cuba on our way back from Iran… then we're going to send Marco Rubio in to finish up the deal,” Trump told a rally in Florida.
At the campaign event, Trump said the ships could pass Cuba and one could stop about 50 yards off the coast before Rubio was sent in to handle the next steps.
Trump predicted last month that the US and Cuba would reach an agreement and said he did not think military action would be necessary. His administration has previously stated that its goal is to bring about a change in Cuba's communist government.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez rejected Trump's remarks, saying Havana opposed US ambitions towards the island.
In a post on X, Rodríguez wrote: “We reject every threat related to US ambitions toward Cuba. Our coastline is full of beautiful beaches, but there are also razor-sharp limestone spikes, an inhospitable environment for those who make it to our shores with hostile purposes and lust for domination.”
Rechazamos toda amenaza sobre ambiciones de EEUU hacia Cuba.En nuestras costas hay bellas playas, pero también diente de perro, inhóspito para quienes llegan con fines hostiles y ansias de dominación.#CubaNoEsUnaAmenaza El Bloqueo Sí https://t.co/xGT73y5ojC
Earlier on Friday, Rubio called on Cubans seeking political change to form a discreet partnership with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
In a post on X, he wrote: “To those who seek to create positive change in Cuba — now is the time. The disappointment of failed promises, corruption, and the privileged lives of only a few: seize this opportunity to create the change you desire through a discreet partnership with the CIA.”
To those who seek to create positive change in Cuba - now is the time. The disappointment of failed promises, corruption, and the privileged lives of only a few; seize this opportunity to create the change you desire through a discrete partnership with the CIA.
Trump has repeatedly hinted at a change in Cuba's leadership. On 2 May, he said the US would take over Cuba “almost immediately” while speaking at the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches Dinner.
“Cuba, which we will be taking over almost immediately. Cuba's got problems. We'll finish one first,” Trump said.
The Trump administration has intensified economic pressure on Cuba, imposing new penalties on nine state-owned firms in the construction, mining, and metals sectors. Washington has also tightened enforcement of US regulations restricting American citizens travelling to the island from engaging in business with state-controlled enterprises.
A US-imposed oil blockade introduced earlier this year has placed Cuba under severe strain, with fuel shortages and blackouts worsened by failing infrastructure.
Washington has maintained an embargo on Cuba for more than 60 years. The administration has stepped up pressure on Havana since the US military seized then-Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a deadly raid in January.
A White House statement issued earlier said: “The policies, practices, and actions of the Government of Cuba continue to constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the US. These policies, practices, and actions are also repugnant to the moral and political values of free and democratic societies.”
Cuba's foreign minister told the UN General Assembly last month that Havana would always remain open to dialogue with Washington.
(With inputs from Reuters and ANI)