U.S. State Department delegation visits Cuba

A U.S. State Department delegation visited Cuba on April 10, the first American government plane to land there (outside of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay) since President Barack Obama’s 2016 trip. The visit advances President Donald Trump’s strategy of increasing economic pressure on Cuba to secure a new agreement. The U.S. team warned Cuban officials that time is running out and demanded urgent reforms: expanding private businesses, attracting foreign investment, improving governance, releasing political prisoners, and granting greater freedoms to the Cuban people. Officials also raised concerns over Cuba hosting foreign military and intelligence operations just 90 miles from U.S. shores. While President Trump has hinted at possible military options, he is prioritizing an embargo to compel negotiations. It remains to be seen how this will advance prophecy about this strategically crucial island nation in America’s backyard.