Rubio calls on Cubans seeking change to form 'discrete partnership' with CIA

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged Cubans seeking change in the country to form a "discrete partnership" with the CIA, the US' foreign intelligence service.

In a post on social media, Rubio said "now is the time" for those looking to "create positive change" in Cuba to act.

"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," he wrote.

The Trump administration has repeatedly stated that its goal is to bring about a change in Havana's leadership, with President Donald Trump himself having claimed the country is "ready to fall."

In January, Trump ramped up pressure on Cuba after announcing an oil blockade of the island nation following a US military operation to capture former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

"Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of oil and money from Venezuela," Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social account at the time.

"There will be no more oil or money going to Cuba - zero!" he continued, adding: "I strongly suggest they make a deal, before it is too late."

Speaking to reporters in September, Trump appeared confident that he could come to an arrangement with Cuba.

"I would say that Cuba and us will make a deal," he said. "I don't think we'll need the military."

The CIA has shared tips for Cubans looking to work with the agency, advising people not to not use a device or internet connection linked to their identity or place of work and to "remove all software, apps and programmes from the device you are using to contact us."

It asks people wanting to get in touch to share their base location, job title, and "type or level of access you have to information of interest to our organisation."