In a sharp diplomatic exchange, Cuba has formally rejected accusations made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who asserted during a US Senate hearing that the island nation sponsors terrorism.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez responded to the claims via the social media platform X, stating that Cuba's inclusion on the US list of alleged state sponsors of terrorism is driven by political criteria rather than empirical evidence. Rodriguez described the designation as "arbitrary and devoid of moral sense," arguing that the US Secretary of State lacks the necessary arguments to justify such a "criminal measure" before the US Congress.
According to the Cuban Foreign Minister, the remarks made by Rubio reveal a broader strategic intention by Washington to maintain intense pressure on Cuba. Rodriguez claimed that the underlying goal is to "strangle the Cuban economy by every possible means, provoke a humanitarian crisis and promote military intervention in Cuba."
Rodriguez further expressed alarm that the US Congress allows the statements of a public servant to stand unchallenged, characterizing the accusations as a fabrication. The controversy stems from Rubio's defense of the Trump administration's decision to maintain Cuba's position on the state sponsors of terrorism list during the recent Senate proceedings.
This escalation in rhetoric highlights the ongoing tensions between the two nations, emphasizing the deep divide in their political and economic perspectives as they navigate a complex diplomatic landscape in 2026.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
