'Now is the time': Rubio urges Cubans to partner with the CIA after Trump says warships will stop off Cuba

Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted his appeal on X, telling Cubans tired of 'failed promises, corruption' to seek change through a 'discrete [sic] partnership with the CIA'. Hours earlier at a Fort Myers rally, President Donald Trump said one returning Iran warship would park 50 yards off Cuba's coast. 'They'll raise up their hands,' he told the crowd. Rubio would then be sent in 'to finish up the deal'.

A 10-month US blockade has already left Cuba facing blackouts and water shortages.

Havana hit back on Friday, mocking what it called American 'desperation'.

Trump first declared 'Cuba is next' back in March, vowing to take the country over.