US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described Cuba as a “national security threat” to the United States, while also suggesting that the prospects for a peaceful understanding with Havana remain limited.
Rubio’s remarks came amid renewed tensions following formal accusations against former Cuban President Raúl Castro over the 1996 downing of two aircraft.
Speaking to reporters, Rubio said that although the United States prioritizes diplomatic solutions, President Donald Trump retains the authority to take necessary measures to protect national security. He also accused Cuba of being “one of the sponsors of terrorism” in the region.
Cuba, however, strongly rejected the allegations. In a post on social media, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez stated that Cuba has never posed a threat to the United States. Instead, he accused Washington of pursuing a long-standing aggressive policy toward Havana.
Cuba is currently facing severe economic pressures, including fuel shortages, food scarcity, and prolonged power outages. Cuban authorities argue that US sanctions and the decades-long embargo have significantly worsened the crisis.
Meanwhile, US immigration authorities have arrested a Cuban national living in Florida. Washington claims the individual had links to Cuba’s ruling establishment and was assisting Havana while residing in the United States.
Speaking to journalists in the Oval Office, President Trump described Cuba as a “failed state” but said his administration would continue efforts to provide humanitarian assistance on humanitarian grounds.