Cuba dissidents urged by Marco Rubio to work with CIA for political change

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly invited people seeking political transformation in Cuba to collaborate with the Central Intelligence Agency, according to a report by Reuters.

Writing on the social media platform X, Rubio addressed critics of the island's authorities, declaring that "now is the time" for those wanting positive transformation. He urged individuals disappointed by the administration in Havana to seize the moment by forming a discreet working relationship with the American intelligence service. The secretary of state did not provide additional specifics regarding what such collaboration would entail.

The appeal coincides with statements from President Donald Trump, who told attendees at a rally in Florida that his administration would address the situation in Cuba following actions regarding Iran. Trump remarked that Rubio would subsequently be dispatched to finalize an arrangement. The White House has consistently indicated that seeking political change in Cuba's communist system remains an objective.

Tensions between the two countries have intensified following a series of aggressive measures by the United States. Earlier this year, Washington enforced an oil blockade against Cuba, compounding longstanding difficulties caused by an embargo that has been in place for more than six decades. The restriction on energy imports has triggered severe fuel deficits and widespread power outages across the island, where key infrastructure has already been deteriorating.

The broader campaign of pressure on Cuba also followed an operation in January in which American forces apprehended then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during a lethal raid.

Despite the escalating friction, international observers and human rights advocates have raised sharp concerns. United Nations rights monitors previously characterized the American oil blockade as a breach of international law, while critics have accused the administration of reviving imperialist tactics.

Diplomatic options remain subject to conflicting signals from both sides. During the United Nations General Assembly in the previous month, Cuba's foreign minister stated that Havana maintains an openness to talks with American officials. Trump also commented last month that he anticipated an eventual settlement with Cuba and suggested that direct military force would likely not be required.