WASHINGTON (TNND) — President Donald Trump on Friday revived the prospect of U.S. intervention in Cuba, suggesting American warships returning from the Iran war could stop just off the island’s coast.
Speaking at a South Florida rally, Trump said a ship could stop about 50 yards off Cuba’s coast and that Secretary of State Marco Rubio could “finish up the deal.”
After the rally, Rubio posted on social media urging Cubans seeking change to pursue it through a “discrete partnership with the CIA.”
Trump and Rubio have previously raised the possibility of U.S. intervention in Cuba. Trump has also said he expects the countries to reach a deal and that military action may not be necessary.
Rubio has said the administration wants a peaceful resolution but has expressed doubts about reaching a diplomatic agreement with Cuba’s government.
U.S. officials have held talks with Cuban officials in recent months, but the U.S. has since imposed additional sanctions on the Cuban government.
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 30: Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-IL), accompanied by Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) (R), speaks during a news conference calling for the end to the blockade on Cuba on Capitol Hill on June 30, 2026 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Donald Trump has strengthened and expanded the United States longstanding embargo and sanctions on Cuba. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Cuba has faced an economic and energy crisis since 2020, with a shrinking economy, blackouts, food shortages, and inflation. Hundreds of thousands of Cubans have migrated, many to the United States.
