Rubio invites Cubans to work with CIA

For many residents of Cuba, the cost of daily life has risen sharply while access to healthcare has declined. Basic goods are more expensive, and patients often wait hours to see a doctor. Against this backdrop of economic strain, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asked islanders on Friday to reach out directly to the Central Intelligence Agency.

In a post on X, Rubio told those seeking "positive change" that now was the time to act. He cited "failed promises, corruption, and the privileged lives of only a few" as reasons for the current moment. He urged readers to "seize this opportunity to create the change you desire through a discrete partnership with the CIA."

The CIA quickly amplified the message. The agency reposted Rubio's appeal along with a Spanish version and a video explaining how to contact the agency. This direct outreach marks a shift in how Washington approaches the island's internal opposition.

The call for cooperation coincides with tightened economic pressure. Last week, the U.S. government announced new sanctions against Cuba's state-run bank, citing its ties to Iran. These measures aim to force the communist government to alter its policies or step aside.

President Trump added a military dimension to the diplomatic pressure during a campaign rally in South Florida on Friday. He referenced U.S. Navy warships deployed near the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said one ship would stop "about 50 yards off the coast" of Cuba. He described a scenario where Cuban officials would raise their hands in surrender, allowing Rubio to negotiate a final agreement.

Cuba's government responded with rejection. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla posted on X that the island rejects threats based on U.S. ambitions. He described the coastline as rugged and inhospitable to those arriving with hostile intentions and a desire for domination.