U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Thursday that Cuba poses a national security threat to the United States, asserting that the likelihood of a peaceful resolution is low.

Rubio's remarks follow a day after the U.S. charged former Cuban President Raúl Castro with murder in connection with the 1996 downing of two planes that killed U.S. nationals. The Secretary of State indicated that while diplomatic solutions remain the U.S. preference, President Donald Trump has the authority and duty to safeguard the nation.

Speaking to reporters, Rubio expressed his assessment of the situation, noting that diplomacy with Cuba is preferred but acknowledged the low probability of success given the current circumstances. He also characterized Cuba as a leading sponsor of terrorism within the region, an accusation vehemently rejected by Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez.

Rodríguez, in a statement on X, accused Rubio of disseminating falsehoods and attempting to provoke military aggression. He stated that Cuba has never been a threat to the U.S. and accused the U.S. government of systematically attacking his country.

The U.S. has continued to exert pressure on Cuba, with President Trump having openly discussed the possibility of toppling its communist regime. The recent indictment of Raúl Castro has drawn comparisons to similar actions taken against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Cuba is currently experiencing a fuel crisis, reportedly exacerbated by U.S. oil sanctions, leading to prolonged blackouts and food shortages. Despite these challenges, Rubio mentioned that the U.S. had offered $100 million in humanitarian aid, which Cuba had accepted.

Regarding the indictment of Raúl Castro, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated in Miami that the U.S. anticipates his appearance in court, whether voluntarily or otherwise. When questioned about the logistics of bringing Castro to the U.S. to face charges, Rubio declined to elaborate on specific plans, emphasizing the need for discretion.

This exchange highlights the ongoing tension between the United States and Cuba, with differing perspectives on national security and regional stability.