MARCO RUBIO CALLS ON CUBANS TO PARTNER WITH CIA AS TRUMP VOWS TO TAKE CARE OF CUBA ; CUBA MOCKS US DESPERATION

What happened: Marco Rubio urged Cubans seeking change to form a "discrete partnership with the CIA," while Trump told a Florida rally the US would "take care of Cuba" after Iran and send Rubio to "finish up the deal." Key numbers: Washington has maintained an embargo on Cuba for over 60 years. A US-imposed oil blockade began earlier this year. Why it matters: The remarks escalate pressure on Havana, which has faced fuel shortages and blackouts under the blockade. UN rights experts condemned the blockade as a violation of international law.

Marco Rubio urged Cubans seeking change to form a "discrete partnership with the CIA," while Trump told a Florida rally the US would "take care of Cuba" after Iran and send Rubio to "finish up the deal."

The remarks escalate pressure on Havana, which has faced fuel shortages and blackouts under the blockade. UN rights experts condemned the blockade as a violation of international law.