The Trump administration will not allow Cuba to "deteriorate into an even more severe security threat to the national security of the United States," a U.S. official said as the country again ramps up pressure on the Havana regime.
Speaking to Axios, the official went on to say that the "Cuban regime continues to demonstrate its indifference to the people's suffering and refuses to reform or prevent the delivery of vital humanitarian assistance."
The official was making reference to Havana's rejection of U.S. assistance in exchange for reforms. The Trump administration offered ens of millions in aid, free Starlink access for all Cubans for two years, as well as agricultural and infrastructure support, in exchange for the changes.
"As the President stated, Cuba is a failing country. Within a short period of time they will fall, and we will be there to help them out," the official added.
The remarks follow an NBC News report noting that Trump officials believe the Cuban regime could fall by the end of the year if circumstances don't change, but the president wants it to happen sooner.
The outlet said Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with the regime's ability to stay in power despite ongoing U.S. pressure and has grilled officials on why there has not yet been collapse.
The president said last Friday that an aircraft carrier returning to the U.S. from the Middle East could be stationed off the country's coast to pressure the regime into folding. He said the vessel could "come in, stop about 100 yards offshore, and they'll say: 'Thank you very much. We give up.'"
However, another report from the Associated Press noted that the U.S. is not contemplating imminent military action against the Cuban regime despite President Donald Trump's threats. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva told press last week that Trump told him privately he has no intention of invading the country.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, in turn, said this week that the U.S. is in a "dangerous path" that could lead to "bloodbath" in the country.
Speaking to ABC News, Rodriguez said there has been "no progress" in talks between the countries. He added that he takes President Donald Trump's threats to the country "very seriously" and Havana is ready to respond and "exercise its right for its legitimate defense" if attacked militarily.
"It seems that the U.S. government has chosen a dangerous path, a path that could lead to unimaginable consequences, to humanitarian catastrophe, to a genocide, to the loss of Cuban and young American lives, it could also lead to a bloodbath in Cuba," Rodriguez said.
He went on to say that Havana is willing to continue engaging with Washington on different topics, but those related to the country's political system are "not on the table."
