Cuba Hits Back at Marco Rubio Over CIA Appeal as Trump Revives Military Threat

Cuba has slammed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for encouraging anyone seeking political change on the island to make discreet contact with the Central Intelligence Agency. The response came as President Donald Trump reiterated the possibility of US military action against Cuba, escalating tensions between Washington and Havana.

On Friday, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio criticised the American petition in an X post. He questioned why the CIA was openly begging Cubans for intelligence, calling the move a sign of desperation within the organization.

Rubio had called on Cubans unhappy with their government to take advantage of what he described as an opportunity for change. He pointed to corruption, unfulfilled promises and the privileged position of a small group as reasons for seeking a different political direction.

Cuba Responds to Rubio’s CIA Appeal

Rubio urged individuals wanting change in Cuba to pursue a covert collaboration with the CIA. The organization later released a Spanish-language video outlining how individuals might share information with it.

Potential sources were instructed to visit an official US installation in person if it was safe to do so. It is suggested that you use a secure internet connection, a private browser, and a disposable email account when communicating online.

De Cossio responded angrily at the public recruitment campaign. His remarks implied that the agency’s decision to openly advertize its services demonstrated weakness rather than strength.

The conflict escalated as Trump reiterated his remarks about probable military intervention on the island. Speaking at a rally in Florida, Trump suggested that US warships returning from the confrontation with Iran pause near Cuba before sending Rubio to conclude what he called a deal.

Trump described a scenario in which a US Navy vessel approached the Cuban coast and asserted that the island’s authorities would surrender. His words did not constitute an announcement of a specific military operation, but they did focus attention on the likelihood of heavier US involvement.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez also replied to Trump’s remarks. He warned that Cuba’s shoreline may be harmful to those approaching with hostile intentions, juxtaposing the island’s beaches with jagged limestone outcrops.

Cuba Faces Rising US Pressure and Sanctions

Relations between the two countries have remained tight as Washington applies more economic and diplomatic pressure on Havana. The US administration has imposed new sanctions and maintained a de facto energy blockade, which was implemented in January, with fines threatening countries who supplied gasoline to Cuba.

The island, which has a population of over 9.4 million people, is also experiencing a long-term economic and energy crisis. Power outages, shortages, inflation, and emigration have exacerbated the country’s problems. The protracted US embargo remains a major source of contention.

Former Cuban President Raul Castro’s legal move has contributed to the tension. Florida’s top prosecutor issued an arrest warrant this week on state murder charges stemming from the 1996 downing of two civilian aircraft operated by Brothers to the Rescue, an organization that assisted Cubans escape to the United States. Castro was also indicted on federal charges in connection with the May incident.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has dismissed the federal complaint as legally baseless, accusing Washington of using it to justify military action.

The two governments have held negotiations in recent months, but the United States is dissatisfied with the progress. Rubio has questioned whether a diplomatic settlement is conceivable under Cuba’s current leadership, but Trump has identified the island as a potential target for harder action following the war with Iran.

The most recent conversation illustrates the growing debate over Cuba’s political future, US intelligence activity, and the threat of military action. Neither side’s most recent public statements, however, indicate that a new military action has been formally ordered.