U.S. Secretary of State Says Trump Prefers Diplomatic Path With Cuba

The U.S. secretary of state said Thursday that the administration prefers a negotiated agreement with Cuba but does not view such an outcome as likely. "The president's preference is always a negotiated agreement that's peaceful," the secretary told reporters before leaving Miami.

"That's always our preference. That remains our preference with Cuba. I'm just being honest with you. " The secretary added that a diplomatic settlement remains the goal in Cuba and elsewhere.

The comments come after the indictment this week of former President Raúl Castro on terrorism charges. Officials have not detailed how the United States might seek to implement the indictment. Similar charges against a former Venezuelan leader were previously cited in connection with a military operation in January.

The secretary described Cuba as a national security threat, citing the presence of Russian and Chinese intelligence activities on the island. The secretary also addressed separate negotiations with Iran, noting progress in talks aimed at ending the war between the two countries.

"I don't want to get ahead of it ... I think we've made some progress," the secretary said. " The secretary stated that other options remain available if a diplomatic deal cannot be reached.