By Our Diplomatic Correspondent
US SECRETARY of State Marco Rubio has warned that America is prepared to respond after a “highly unusual” high-seas shootout involving a Florida-registered vessel off the coast of Cuba.
Speaking from the St. Kitts Marriott Beach Resort following meetings with Caribbean leaders, Mr. Rubio revealed that the U.S. government is racing to independently verify claims made by the Cuban regime regarding the violent incident.
The drama began on Wednesday morning when Cuban authorities alerted the U.S. Coast Guard to a confrontation at sea. While details remain fragmentary, Mr. Rubio confirmed that the U.S. Embassy in Havana is demanding immediate access to those on board to determine if they are American citizens or permanent residents.
”It is highly unusual to see shootouts on open sea like that,” Rubio told reporters before boarding his plane.
“It’s something, frankly, that hasn’t happened with Cuba in a very long time. We are going to find out exactly what happened, and then we’ll respond accordingly.”
The Secretary of State remained tight-lipped on whether the boat was involved in a rescue mission for those fleeing the island, though he noted that “running people” back and forth remains a violation of federal law.
The maritime clash comes as Cuba faces its worst economic crisis since the 1959 revolution. Rubio painted a bleak picture of an island in “total dysfunction,” noting that 15% of the population has fled since 2021.
In a surprise move, the U.S. Treasury Department announced it would allow private companies to sell oil to Cuba’s small private sector for humanitarian reasons.
However, Rubio was quick to warn that any “games” involving the diversion of fuel to the Cuban military would result in the immediate cancellation of licenses.
”If the Cuban people are hungry and suffering, it’s not because we’re not prepared to help,” Rubio said. “The people standing in the way of us helping them is the regime.”
Beyond the Caribbean, the Secretary of State addressed the “grave threat” posed by Iran as diplomatic talks resume on Thursday. Rubio confirmed that President Trump’s assessment—that Iran is actively seeking intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the continental U.S.—is accurate.
”This is an unsustainable threat,” Rubio said, pointing to Iran’s “blind insistence” on enriching uranium in underground bunkers. While emphasizing the President’s preference for diplomacy, he warned that Iran’s refusal to discuss its ballistic missile program remains a “big, big problem.”
On other fronts, the Secretary noted:
Life is “substantially better” nine weeks after the capture of Nicolás Maduro, though elections will require a “national reconciliation” and the return of exiles.
Rubio described the conflict as a “senseless war” killing 7,000 to 8,000 soldiers a week, insisting the U.S. remains the only power capable of bringing both sides to the table.
A “strategic stability” has been reached to avoid a global trade war, though the U.S. continues to monitor technology theft and diversify supply chains.
The Secretary of State concluded his remarks by reaffirming that while the U.S. is “prepared to listen” to anyone with information—potentially even members of the Castro family—it will not base its foreign policy on the word of “regimes” it does not trust.
