Marco Rubio issues chilling ultimatum to Cuba during Sean Hannity interview

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Speaking on Fox News Network's "Hannity" program, hosted by Sean Hannity, Rubio said American officials remain optimistic Havana might alter its stance. "We are hopeful that Cuba will choose a different path," he remarked, noting Washington hopes "some people" governing Cuba will "open their eyes to the reality of what they are facing."

"Unfortunately, the people that continue there to chant revolutionary slogans, too many of them still believe that they could wait out this administration and make no changes or do nothing. They are wrong and they will learn the lesson the hard way if they don't correct," Rubio said.

Addressing the UN General Assembly on Saturday, Cuban foreign minister Bruno Rodriguez said Cuba would remain open to diplomatic dialogue with Washington.

Meanwhile, Trump predicted over the weekend that the U.S. and Cuba will ultimately reach an agreement, stating he does not believe military action will be required.

The US has maintained its economic embargo against Cuba for over six decades, with the Trump administration increasing pressure on Havana following a January military operation to remove and seize then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Turning to Venezuela during his Fox interview, Rubio stated: "They need to have free and fair elections in that country." He added that Washington is attempting to establish the necessary conditions for such a vote as quickly as possible, though he gave no timeline.

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