United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Cuban citizens to form a discreet partnership with the Central Intelligence Agency on October 23, 2026. The appeal followed President Donald Trump’s suggestion at a Florida rally that U.S. warships returning from Iran could pass near Cuba while Rubio negotiated a resolution.
Secretary Rubio Urges CIA Partnership for Political Change in Cuba
Speaking via his official social media account on October 23, 2026, Secretary of State Marco Rubio called directly on individuals seeking political transformation on the island to act without delay.
To those who seek to create positive change in Cuba – now is the time. The disappointment of failed promises, corruption, and the privileged lives of only a few; seize this opportunity to create the change you desire through a discrete partnership with the CIA.
To those who seek to create positive change in Cuba – now is the time. The disappointment of failed promises, corruption, and the privileged lives of only a few; seize this opportunity to create the change you desire through a discrete partnership with the CIA.
The top American diplomat utilized the term discrete
in his public message. Following the appeal, the Central Intelligence Agency published a Spanish-language video on X detailing how individuals with information could contact the agency safely, advising online users to employ a secure internet connection, a virtual private network, a private browser, and a burner email account not linked to personal details, according to Indiatimes.
Today Trump told a rally in South Florida that US warships returning from the Middle East could stop over in Cuba on their way back from the Iran war, his latest suggestion of taking an interventionist approach to the nearby country. W/ @joshboakhttps://t.co/kiZGlMIxge?
President Trump Links Future Pressure on Havana to Middle East Operations
The diplomatic push coincided with remarks delivered by President Donald Trump during a Republican campaign rally in Fort Myers, Florida, held ahead of midterm legislative elections. Addressing a question from the crowd regarding the island, Trump suggested that naval vessels returning from the Middle East could approach Cuban waters.
Actually, what we’re going to do with Cuba is, we’re going to come back from Iran. Those beautiful ships will pass Cuba. We’ll have one of them stop about 50 yards off the coast. They’ll raise up their hands. And then we’re going to send Marco Rubio in to finish up the deal.
.@POTUS: "We're gonna come back from Iran, those beautiful ships will pass Cuba. We'll have one of them stop about 50 yards off the coast. They'll raise up their hands — and then we're gonna send @SecRubio in to finish up the job."*crowd ROARS* pic.twitter.com/91Jf26EWDM
The distance mentioned by Trump equals approximately 46 meters from the shore, representing a rhetorical flourish rather than an active military deployment order. Telangana Today noted that the president announced no formal military operation or diplomatic initiative against Havana during the appearance.
Sanctions and Strained Bilateral Context Behind the Rhetoric
The renewed rhetoric builds on months of escalating economic pressure from Washington. On September 18, 2026, the United States Department of State announced sanctions designating 11 key actors within Cuba’s economic and security infrastructure under Executive Order 14404, targeting four state-run enterprises exploiting nickel reserves, four military research entities, and three senior military officials.
An oil blockade implemented earlier in the year has deepened shortages and blackouts across the island, where the gross domestic product has shrunk and residents face inflation and scarce food supplies. United Nations human rights experts have criticized the oil embargo as a contravention of international law, while the administration maintains the measures are necessary for national security and political transition, according to UkrMedia News.
Havana Responds With Defiance to Recruitment Appeals and Naval Warnings
Cuban authorities responded swiftly to the public statements from Washington. Carlos Fernández de Cossío criticized the announcements on social media.
Separately, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez dismissed the administration’s maritime warnings in a post on X reported by Indiatimes, stating that the nation’s shores feature rugged limestone spikes that provide an inhospitable environment for any arrivals with hostile purposes. At the same time, Havana has reiterated that it remains open to diplomatic dialogue with Washington, even as bilateral tensions persist.
We reject every threat related to US ambitions toward Cuba.Our coastline is full of beautiful beaches, but there are also razor-sharp limestone spikes, an inhospitable environment for those who make it to our shores with hostile purposes and lust for domination.… pic.twitter.com/jrrBc1jR8S