On 23 October, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on Cubans seeking political change to cooperate confidentially with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The statement came after President Donald Trump suggested that Washington might take new action against Cuba once the military campaign against Iran had concluded. The Cuban authorities criticised Rubio’s call, describing it as a sign of desperation on the part of the US intelligence services.
- On 23 October, Marco Rubio called on Cubans seeking political change to cooperate with the CIA.
- The US Secretary of State posted a statement to that effect on the social media platform X.
- Donald Trump has stated that the US may turn its attention to the Cuban issue once the war with Iran is over.
- The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs has criticised a public call for cooperation with US intelligence.
- Washington continues to exert economic and political pressure on Havana.
What Marco Rubio said about Cubans’ collaboration with the CIA
The US Secretary of State has published a statement on his official social media page X. He called on Cuban citizens who are dissatisfied with the current government’s policies to seize the opportunity to bring about change.
«For those who are striving for positive change in Cuba, now is the time,» wrote Rubio.
The American diplomat referred to the authorities’ unfulfilled promises, corruption and the privileged position enjoyed by a small circle of people. In his view, citizens can influence the political situation in the country through confidential cooperation with the CIA.
Rubio did not specify exactly what forms of cooperation he was proposing, nor what role US intelligence might play in political change in Cuba.
Following his statement, the CIA also published a Spanish-language appeal to people in possession of information that might be of interest to US intelligence.
Trump spoke about American warships off the coast of Cuba
Rubio’s statement came shortly after his speech Donald Trump at a political rally in Fort Myers, Florida.
The US President stated that Once the military campaign against Iran is over, Washington may turn its attention to Cuba.
Trump suggested that US warships returning from the Middle East might sail close to the Cuban coast. He also stated that he would then send Marco Rubio to finalise the agreements with Havana.
The US President did not present a specific plan for a military operation, nor did he specify a timeframe for any potential action.
Trump had previously expressed confidence that it would be possible to achieve agreements with Cuba without the use of military force. At the same time, his administration has repeatedly stated its intention to bring about a change in the island’s political leadership.
How Cuba responded to the call to cooperate with the CIA
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cuba Carlos Fernández de Cossio criticised the US Secretary of State’s statement. The Cuban diplomat claimed that the United States had resorted to openly recruiting people for its intelligence service. He also ironically compared the public promotion of the CIA’s capabilities to an advert for toothpaste.
Cuban Minister for Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodriguez He dismissed the threats from Washington and emphasised that external interference in the country’s internal affairs was unacceptable.
The Cuban authorities regard the intensification of US pressure as a threat to national sovereignty.
Why is the US stepping up pressure on Cuba?
Relations between Washington and Havana remain strained due to political differences, US sanctions and regional security issues.
In early 2026, the Trump administration tightened restrictions on oil supplies to Cuba, in particular by threatening to take further action against countries that supply the island with fuel.
The restrictions have exacerbated the energy crisis in a country that has long been plagued by power cuts, fuel shortages and economic difficulties.
UN human rights experts have criticised the US oil embargo, stating that it contravenes international law.
At the same time, the Trump administration attributes the increased pressure to national security concerns and a desire to bring about political change in Cuba. Havana rejects these accusations and states that it is prepared to engage in diplomatic dialogue with the US.
