Rubio Urges Cubans to Work With CIA as Trump Threatens Action

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Cubans seeking political change to cooperate with the CIA on Friday, October 23, 2026, as President Donald Trump suggested that US naval forces returning from the Iran conflict could stop near Cuba. The remarks intensified pressure on Havana amid economic sanctions, fuel shortages and strained diplomatic relations. Rubio published his appeal on X, citing corruption, unfulfilled promises and privileges enjoyed by a small segment of Cuban society.

The CIA subsequently amplified the message and shared a Spanish-language appeal accompanied by a video explaining how to contact the intelligence agency, according to CBS News. The developments followed additional US economic sanctions announced the previous week against Cuba's state-run bank over alleged ties to Iran. Washington has also maintained an oil blockade that has contributed to fuel shortages and widespread power outages, according to reporting by KSL and The Guardian.

At a campaign rally in Fort Myers, Florida, Trump linked his plans for Cuba to the US military campaign against Iran. He described a potential stop by American naval vessels near the island and suggested Rubio would take a leading role in subsequent action.

Trump said the ships would approach Cuba's coastline before the administration sent Rubio to complete the operation. His comments revived earlier suggestions that Cuba could face intervention after Washington addressed the conflict with Iran. The rally took place ahead of the November 3 midterm elections and was intended to support Florida Republican Rep.

Byron Donalds in his campaign for governor against Democrat David Jolly, according to KSL. Trump also discussed domestic issues, including a proposed $250 million investment to hire at least 5,000 nurses for elder care facilities nationwide.

Rubio's appeal followed months of escalating pressure on Cuba's communist government. In September, Trump described Cuba as a failed state during the United Nations General Assembly and said freedom would come to the island, prompting the Cuban delegation to walk out, according to KSL. During a September 23 press conference, Rubio argued that Cuba needed changes to its economic and political systems to attract private investment. He said investors lacked confidence that their capital and profits would be protected under the existing governance model.

Rubio also questioned whether Washington could reach a diplomatic settlement with Cuba's current leadership, although the administration had held discussions with Cuban officials in recent months. Trump previously said he expected the countries to reach an agreement and indicated that military action might not be necessary. Cuba's government rejected the latest remarks.

Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla responded on X on Friday, opposing what he described as US ambitions toward the island and warning against hostile intentions. Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío also criticized the CIA's public recruitment appeal. In a post on X cited by The Guardian, he questioned why the agency was openly seeking cooperation from Cubans.

The confrontation comes as Cuba continues to face a prolonged economic and energy crisis that has worsened since 2020. The Guardian reported that the country's gross domestic product had contracted while its population of approximately 10 million people faced blackouts, food shortages and inflation, prompting large numbers of Cubans to emigrate.

US pressure has also drawn international criticism. KSL reported that United Nations human rights experts condemned the oil blockade as a violation of international law, while rights advocates criticized the administration's threats toward Havana. Diplomatic tensions have been compounded by legal action against Cuba's former president Raúl Castro. According to USA Today, the US Department of Justice indicted Castro and five other Cuban nationals in May; Castro was charged with attempting to kill Americans, an allegation he denies.