Former Miami Mayor Francis Suarez issued a stern warning on Thursday, emphasizing that the Cuban government has significant reasons to heed the pressure from the Trump administration. He drew parallels between the situation in Cuba and past events in Venezuela and Iran.
Suarez shared these insights during his debut as a contributor on Fox News' "Special Report with Bret Baier," where he discussed Washington's strategic approach towards Havana.
"I doubt Cuba wishes to see a repeat of what happened in Venezuela and Iran," Suarez asserted, also echoing this sentiment on his X account to encapsulate his comments.
The Trump Administration's Consistent Strategy
The former mayor explained that Trump's strategy follows a consistent pattern: "He examined the approach in Venezuela and even Iran; it was the same strategy. He applied pressure, essentially challenged the leadership, but also offered a chance to negotiate. When they didn't take it, he acted."
Suarez emphasized that Cuba's leadership should not question Trump's resolve: "I don't think they will doubt his determination."
Marco Rubio's Role in U.S. Policy Towards Cuba
Suarez highlighted another reason for his optimism regarding potential changes in Cuba, pointing to the influence of Secretary of State Marco Rubio: "They have someone in the Secretary of State who intimately understands the threat Cuba poses to the United States."
The Ideological Threat from Cuba
He further warned that the Cuban threat is not a military one but rather ideological: "The threat is more insidious. It's the threat of socialism and communism that we see infiltrating American cities," a subject Suarez vowed to explore further in his new role on the network.
The geopolitical context backing these statements is compelling. In January 2026, the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Caracas cut off Venezuela's primary oil supply to Cuba, which accounted for 80% to 90% of the island's oil imports. Mexico ceased its shipments on January 9 after facing tariff warnings from Washington. On January 29, Trump signed Executive Order 14380, declaring a national emergency due to the Cuban threat and imposing tariffs on any country supplying oil to the island.
Meanwhile, a joint military operation by the United States and Israel against Iran, launched on February 28, resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on March 1. Suarez sees this as a crucial precedent that influences how the Cuban regime perceives the situation.
Trump himself declared in March that he could do as he pleases with Cuba, while the Cuban government admitted to holding talks with U.S. officials that same month—a move analysts interpret as a sign that the pressure is having an impact.
"The pressure on Cuba is mounting, and Trump and Rubio are sending a clear message," Suarez wrote, sharing his commentary on social media.
Understanding the U.S. Pressure on Cuba
What are the reasons behind the U.S. pressure on Cuba?
The U.S. aims to curb the Cuban regime's ideological influence and pressurize it to negotiate, drawing on strategies used in Venezuela and Iran.
How has Cuba's oil supply been affected recently?
The capture of Nicolás Maduro in 2026 halted Venezuela's oil supply to Cuba, and Mexico stopped its shipments following U.S. tariff warnings.
What role is Marco Rubio playing in the situation with Cuba?
Marco Rubio, as Secretary of State, is seen as a key figure who deeply understands and addresses the threat posed by Cuba to the U.S.