President Donald Trump has hinted at a potential US military intervention in Cuba, suggesting that the country may be a target for US action after Iran.
What happened
During a campaign rally in Florida, Trump mentioned Cuba in the context of US military operations, stating that the country would be 'taken care of' on the way back from Iran. He described a possible scenario where US warships would pass by Cuba, with one ship stopping off the coast, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio would 'finish up the deal'.
Following Trump's comments, Rubio posted a message soliciting Cubans who seek 'positive change' to partner with the CIA. The Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, responded by rejecting any US threats against Cuba, stating that the country's shores are 'rugged and inhospitable' to those with hostile intentions.
The US has increased diplomatic pressure on Cuba in recent months, with Trump signing an executive order authorizing tariffs against countries that sell oil to Cuba, and the US Department of Justice securing criminal indictments against former Cuban officials. The US State Department and Treasury have also announced economic sanctions targeting Cuban officials and state-run enterprises.
