U.S. Diplomacy: Rubio invites Cubans to coordinate with CIA
The State Department director urged citizens to seek a "discrete partnership" as Washington tightened economic sanctions on the island's financial sector.
By Carolina Wood ·
Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted a public invitation on X on Friday, telling Cubans who desire political change to reach out to the Central Intelligence Agency. The message marked a direct call for citizens to coordinate with U.S. intelligence assets. The post followed the agency's own repost of the appeal in both English and Spanish. A video attached to the social media posts provided specific instructions for contacting the organization.
Rubio cited the government's unfulfilled promises and the disparity between the wealthy elite and the general population as reasons for action. He described the current moment as an opportunity for citizens to seize control of their political future. The directive aligns with the administration's strategy to pressure the communist leadership in Havana. This approach builds on a series of diplomatic and economic moves designed to destabilize the current regime.
The U.S. government announced new economic sanctions targeting Cuba's state-run bank last week. Washington stated that the institution maintains financial ties to Iran. These measures join existing embargoes that have strained the Cuban economy. The added pressure aims to accelerate internal dissatisfaction with the ruling party.
Living conditions in Cuba have deteriorated under the weight of the trade restrictions. Prices for essential goods have risen sharply, and medical access has become more difficult. Residents have reported waiting in long lines for bread and doctor's appointments. The economic squeeze has intensified public discontent with the current administration.
President Trump addressed the situation at a campaign rally in South Florida on Friday. He commented on U.S. Navy warships currently positioned near the Strait of Hormuz. "We'll take care of Cuba on our way back from Iran," he said. He described a scenario where a ship would stop 50 yards off the Cuban coast. Rubio would then intervene to finalize a political transition, according to the president's account.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla responded to the U.S. statements on X on Friday. He rejected the perceived threats driven by American ambitions regarding the island. He noted that the coastline, while scenic, is rugged and difficult for hostile forces to navigate. His comments emphasized the natural barriers facing any external military intervention.
