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US Secretary of State designates Cuba as security risk
Cuba has been declared a national security threat to the United States, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating the chances of a peaceful resolution are "not high". The remarks follow a US indictment of Cuba's former president, Raúl Castro, for the 1996 downing of two planes that killed American citizens.
Diplomacy remains preferred but unlikely, Rubio says
Rubio told reporters on Thursday that while Washington still favors a diplomatic solution, the current Cuban leadership makes such an outcome improbable. He emphasized President Donald Trump's authority to defend the US against perceived threats but stopped short of detailing potential actions.
Cuba denies allegations, accuses US of aggression
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez dismissed Rubio's claims as "lies", asserting that Havana has never posed a threat to the US. Rodríguez accused the US of attempting to "instigate military aggression" and condemned what he called a "ruthless and systematic" campaign against Cuba.
Rubio had earlier labeled Cuba a "leading sponsor of terrorism in the region", a charge Rodríguez vehemently rejected in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Fuel crisis and US pressure deepen Cuban hardship
Cuba is grappling with a severe fuel shortage, worsened by a de facto US oil blockade. The crisis has led to prolonged blackouts and food shortages in recent months, exacerbating public discontent.
The US has offered $100 million (£74.4 million) in humanitarian aid, which Rubio confirmed Cuba had accepted. However, Trump administration officials have made clear their broader goal is to pressure Havana into concessions.
Indictment of Raúl Castro echoes past US actions
The US indictment of Raúl Castro for the 1996 plane downings has drawn comparisons to Trump's January seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. When asked how the US might bring Castro to trial, Rubio declined to elaborate, stating, "Why would I reveal our plans to the media?"
"We expect he will show up here, by his own will or another way."
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche
US arrests Cuban official's relative in Florida
On Thursday, Rubio announced the arrest of Adys Lastres Morera, the sister of a high-ranking Cuban military official. Morera, who resided in Florida, was accused of aiding Havana's communist regime. US immigration authorities detained her, and she now faces deportation proceedings.
Trump vows to address Cuban crisis
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump called Cuba a "failed country" but said his administration was providing humanitarian assistance. He claimed Cuban-Americans "want to return and help rebuild" their homeland, adding, "Other presidents have tried for decades-it looks like I'll be the one to do it."
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