Responding to U.S. threats on social media on the 23rd, Cuban President Miguel Díaz‑Canel said the Cuban people are determined to defend national independence, noting Cuba achieved true independence on Jan. 1, 1959 and that "Cuba is not the threat; the blockade is." Earlier at a Florida campaign rally, U.S. President Trump said the U.S. is prepared to address Cuba "after" handling Iran. On the same day U.S. Secretary of State Rubio posted on social media that "now is the time" for "positive chan

Responding to U.S. threats on social media on the 23rd, Cuban President Miguel Díaz‑Canel said the Cuban people are determined to defend national independence, noting Cuba achieved true independence on Jan. 1, 1959 and that "Cuba is not the threat; the blockade is." Earlier at a Florida campaign rally, U.S. President Trump said the U.S. is prepared to address Cuba "after" handling Iran. On the same day U.S. Secretary of State Rubio posted on social media that "now is the time" for "positive change" in Cuba and urged "those who want change" to partner with the CIA.