US Secretary of State Rubio urges Cubans to work with CIA

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Cubans seeking change to collaborate with the CIA, marking an unprecedented direct appeal in US policy toward the island amid heightened Washington pressure on the communist government. Rubio's Friday statement encouraged "those who want positive change" to pursue "discreet partnership with the CIA," explicitly referencing regime change. This follows US military action in Venezuela, a Cuban oil blockade, new sanctions, and charges against former president Raul Castro. President Trump joked about US ships stopping near Cuba, prompting Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez to reject threats. Rubio, a Cuban-American hardliner, has long advocated overthrowing Castro, though the CIA's history includes the failed Bay of Pigs invasion and assassination attempts.