US President Donald Trump has stated that he intends to resolve the Cuba issue before the end of his term in the White House.

In an interview with conservative journalist Hugh Hewitt, Trump did not rule out the possibility of using military force against the island. "I want to resolve the Cuba issue before I leave," the US president declared. He described Cuba as a country in dire economic straits and said his administration was closely monitoring the situation.

Trump stressed that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will have an important role in Washington's policy towards Havana. He also mentioned Rubio's Cuban family origins and his connection to the Cuban-American community. The US president said he wants to act in the interests of Cubans who have fled the country and found refuge in the United States. Asked about the possibility of military intervention, Trump replied that he would consider such an option.

The statements come at a time when Washington has increased economic pressure on Cuba through new sanctions against individuals, companies and oil supply networks. The US administration aims to limit the financial resources of the Cuban military and ruling elite.

On the other hand, Havana has condemned the US measures, while China has pledged support for Cuba's sovereignty in the face of sanctions and external pressure.

However, Trump has not announced a concrete military plan, but his statement sets for the first time a clear political timeline for the American aim towards Cuba.