Marco Rubio calls on Cubans to partner with CIA as Trump vows to 'take care of Cuba'; Cuba mocks US 'desperation'

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on those seeking change in Cuba to partner with the CIA as President Donald Trump said Washington would "take care of Cuba" after dealing with Iran and send in the top US diplomat to finish the deal.

"We'll take care of Cuba on our way back from Iran ... then we're going to send Marco Rubio in to finish up the deal," Trump told a rally in Florida.

Also Read: Fitch maintains Ukraine at 'CCC', expects war to extend into 2027


"To those who seek to create positive change in Cuba - now is the time," Rubio, who has been handling much of the Cuba-related policy for Trump, said on X on Friday.

Rubio urged those disappointed by Cuba's government to "seize this opportunity to create the change you desire through a discrete partnership with the CIA," without elaborating further.

Meanwhile, Cuba mocked Washington’s “desperation” in calling on Cubans to work with the CIA, a Cuban official said.

Also Read: Turkey does not see fighting Houthis under Saudi defence pact, minister says

The Trump administration has previously stated its goal is to change Cuba's communist government.

A US-imposed ⁠oil blockade implemented earlier this year has put Cuba ​under severe strain as it contends with fuel shortages and ​blackouts exacerbated by failing infrastructure.

Washington has maintained an embargo on Cuba for over 60 years.

The ​Trump administration has been stepping up pressure on Havana ​after the US military in January seized then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a deadly raid.

Cuba's foreign minister told the UN General Assembly last month Cuba would always be open for dialogue with Washington.

UN rights experts have condemned the oil blockade as a violation of international law while rights advocates say the Trump administration's threats have echoed an imperialist approach.

Trump predicted last month the US and Cuba would reach an ​agreement and that he did not think military action would ‌be necessary.