'Now is the time': Rubio warns Cuba next after Iran, asks Cubans to join hands

Rubio accused the Cuban government officials of living corrupt and privileged lives while disappointing citizens with failed promises (Photo: ANI).

US secretary of state Marco Rubio on Friday called upon Cubans to "discreetly" join hands with the US intelligence agencies in order to bring about a "positive change" in Cuba, removing the communist regime."To those who seek to create positive change in Cuba - now is the time," Rubio said in a post on X.

Rubio accused the Cuban government officials of living corrupt and privileged lives while disappointing citizens with failed promises."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 said.Hours later, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) posted a video on X in Spanish, Cuba's official language, outlining how people with information of interest to the agency could contact it. The agency advised them to visit an official US facility in person as their first option, provided they could travel there safely.For those seeking to contact the CIA online through its official website, the agency recommended using a secure internet connection, such as a VPN, along with a private browser and a burner email account not linked to personal details.

The agency also advised those submitting information to include their city, occupation, level of access and contact details in their message.The CIA’s recruitment appeal drew mockery from Cuban officials.“Now the United States is resorting to public recruitment for the CIA,” Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio wrote on X.“There must be a great deal of desperation or misery within the agency for it to be forced to sell its services like a tube of toothpaste,” he added.

Trump hints Cuba next after Iran

On Friday, US President Donald Trump mentioned he sought a regime change in Cuba as he spoke during a rally in Florida.Trump said that US warships returning from the Middle East could then militarily engage with Cuba.“We’ll do a little stopover,” Trump said.“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.”Trump's remarks drew sharp criticism from Cuba, with Cuban foreign minister Bruno Rodriguez dismissing Trump's threats."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," Rodriguez said in an X post.