President Donald Trump said Cuba will be “handled” before he leaves office, renewing his warnings toward the communist government as his administration continues increasing pressure on the island.

Trump has repeatedly suggested that significant changes are coming to Cuba, whose government has faced mounting economic difficulties, fuel shortages, and widespread power outages. The president has made clear that his administration wants to see a fundamental change in the country's political and economic system after more than six decades of communist rule.

In October, Trump said the United States would “take care of Cuba” after addressing the situation with Iran. Speaking at a rally in Florida on October 23, he described a scenario in which American naval vessels would pass the island before Secretary of State Marco Rubio was sent in to “finish up the deal.”

Rubio has also taken a more direct role in the administration's efforts to pressure Havana. On October 23, he urged Cubans seeking political change to work with the CIA, writing that those dissatisfied with corruption and the privileges enjoyed by the country's ruling class should seize the opportunity to bring about change.

The administration's approach has included economic pressure, diplomatic efforts and increasingly direct warnings about the future of Cuba's leadership. Washington has imposed restrictions on oil shipments to the island, adding to an existing economic crisis that has contributed to severe fuel shortages and recurring blackouts.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has condemned American pressure, accusing Washington of attempting to interfere in the country's internal affairs. Cuban officials have maintained that any negotiations with the United States must respect the island's sovereignty and political independence.

Trump has previously suggested that military action may not be necessary to achieve an agreement. In September, he predicted that Washington and Havana would reach a deal, telling reporters, “I don't think we'll need the military.” He also said the administration wanted to help Cuba and open the country to American businesses and investment.

The president has nevertheless refused to rule out more dramatic possibilities. In March, Trump said he believed he could have the honor of “taking Cuba,” adding that he could either free the island or take control of it. He has also described the Cuban government as increasingly weakened following the loss of support from Venezuela.

The United States has maintained an embargo against Cuba for more than 60 years, dating back to the early years of Fidel Castro's communist government. Relations between the two countries have remained tense through successive administrations, with disputes involving political repression, economic restrictions, and Cuba's relationships with American adversaries.

Trump's latest statement suggests that he intends to make Cuba a major part of his foreign policy agenda before the end of his presidency. However, he has not provided a detailed timetable or explained precisely what he means by saying the country will be “handled.”