Key facts
- The Trump administration is increasing intelligence community resources focused on Cuba.
- The administration aims to pressure Cuba's leaders for reforms.
- Prior actions against Cuba include an energy blockade and legal charges.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio is closely involved in U.S. efforts regarding Cuba.
The Trump administration is intensifying its pressure on Cuba by deploying additional intelligence community resources, according to sources familiar with the matter. President Donald Trump continues to favor diplomatic channels to achieve reforms on the island.
The administration's focus on Iran, which is in its sixth month of conflict, has not precluded a ramped-up pressure campaign against Cuba, which has included an energy blockade. Officials indicated that resolving issues with Iran is not a prerequisite for addressing Cuba.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has Cuban heritage, is reportedly overseeing U.S. efforts in both Cuba and Venezuela. Rubio has conveyed his diminishing patience with the Cuban regime, citing its resistance to U.S. demands for significant economic and political changes.