Rubio Labels Cuba a National Security Threat
Cuba poses a "national security threat" to the United States, and the chance of reaching a peaceful agreement is "not high," US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated.
His remarks followed the US indictment of Cuba's former president Raúl Castro on charges of murder related to the 1996 downing of two planes that resulted in the deaths of US nationals.
Rubio emphasized that Washington prefers "a diplomatic solution" but cautioned that President Donald Trump has the right and duty to defend the country against any threats.
Cuban Response and Accusations
Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez accused Rubio of spreading "lies" and asserted that Cuba has never posed a threat to the US.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Rubio said diplomacy "remains our preference with Cuba," but added:
"I'm just being honest with you, you know, the likelihood of that happening, given who we're dealing with right now, is not high."
Rubio also accused Cuba of being "one of the leading sponsors of terrorism in the entire region," a claim Rodríguez strongly denied in a post on X.
The Cuban foreign minister criticized Rubio for attempting to "instigate a military aggression" and accused the US government of "ruthlessly and systematically" attacking Cuba.
Current Situation in Cuba
Cuba is currently experiencing a fuel crisis worsened by an effective US oil blockade, while facing pressure from the Trump administration to negotiate a deal.
Citizens have endured extended blackouts and food shortages over recent months.
Rubio noted that Cuba had accepted a US offer of $100 million (£74.4 million) in humanitarian aid.
Trump Administration's Stance
President Trump has consistently sought to increase pressure on Cuba and has openly discussed the possibility of toppling its communist government.
Wednesday's indictment of former Cuban president Raúl Castro has been compared by some observers to Trump's earlier efforts to seize Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January.
When asked by reporters how the US government would bring Castro to the US to face charges, Rubio replied:
"I'm not going to talk about how we're going to get him here, if we were trying to get him here, why would I say to the media what our plans are about that?"
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who announced the charges in Miami on Wednesday, stated the US "expect he will show up here, by his own will or another way."
Trump's Comments on Cuba
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, President Trump described Cuba as a "failed country" and said his administration was attempting to assist on a humanitarian basis.
He added that Cuban-Americans "want to go back to their country" and help Cuba succeed.
"Other presidents have looked at this for 50, 60 years doing something and it looks like I'll be the one that does it, so I would be happy to do it," Trump said.
