Rubio Says Cuba Poses National Security Threat to U.S.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Cuba has always posed a national security threat to the United States. He cited weapons acquired from Russia and China, the presence of Russian and Chinese intelligence operations on the island, and Cuba's role as a leading sponsor of terrorism in the region.

Rubio spoke to reporters on Thursday ahead of travel to Sweden and India. S. preference but added that the likelihood of a peaceful agreement is not high given the current leadership in Havana.

"Cuba not only has weapons that they've acquired from Russia and China over the years, but they also host Russian and Chinese intelligence presence in their country," Rubio told reporters. He said the country has been one of the leading sponsors of terrorism in the region.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez rejected the statements. He wrote on X that Rubio was lying to instigate military aggression that would cause Cuban and American deaths. "#Cuba is not, nor has it ever been, a threat to the national security of the United States," Rodríguez stated. S.

government of ruthlessly and systematically aggressing the Cuban people through fuel import restrictions and reinforcement of the blockade.

S. S. nationals. The planes were searching for people attempting to leave the island for Florida. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the charges in Miami on Wednesday. S. to face the charges. President Trump described Cuba as a failed country and said his administration is attempting to help on a humanitarian basis.

He noted that other presidents had looked at the situation for 50 or 60 years without resolution. S. restrictions on oil imports. Rodríguez said the measures have provoked desperation among the population and contributed to economic collapse. Rubio declined to discuss how the United States might bring Castro to face trial.

He said he would not reveal operational plans to the media.