(CNN) The Trump administration will soon take steps toward designating Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism as an 11th hour effort to create hurdles for the incoming Biden administration, which is likely to pursue warmer ties with Havana. A senior administration official told CNN that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is expected to make the designation in the coming days. A second official confirmed that discussions are taking place, although the timing is uncertain. Currently, only three other nations bear the US terrorism designation: Iran, North Korea and Syria. It would also result in penalization against any persons and countries engaging in certain trade activities with Cuba.

Source: CNN December 30, 2020 18:03 UTC