US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described Cuba as a national security threat while Cuba’s government rejected the claims as “lies,” deepening tensions between the two countries.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Cuba remains a “national security threat” to the United States, warning that the chances of a diplomatic agreement are low.
Speaking to reporters, Rubio said diplomacy “remains our preference with Cuba” but added, “the likelihood of that happening… is not high.”
Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez rejected the comments, calling them “lies” and insisting the island has never posed a threat to the US.
The exchange comes days after the US charged former Cuban leader Raúl Castro over a 1996 incident involving the downing of US-linked aircraft.
Washington has also accused Cuba of sponsoring terrorism, a claim Havana denies. President Donald Trump has repeatedly pushed for pressure on Cuba, including demands for political and economic reforms, as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate.
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