Overview
- Cuba’s president rejected Marco Rubio’s claim that there is no oil blockade, pointing to Trump’s January 29th order that labeled Cuba an “extraordinary threat” and threatened tariffs on any supplier.
- Rubio said Washington is not enforcing an absolute fuel blockade and blamed Cuba’s economic mismanagement, while alleging Havana resold about 60% of Venezuelan oil for hard currency.
- A U.S. naval deterrent in the Caribbean has pressured third countries, with reports that Mexico suspended planned fuel deliveries to avoid potential U.S. penalties.
- Cuba’s main power plant, the Antonio Guiteras facility, is offline for maintenance after repeated breakdowns, leaving residents bracing for longer and more frequent blackouts.
- U.S. officials say $6 million in humanitarian aid is moving through the Catholic Church, and Rubio plans to raise Cuba’s situation at a Vatican meeting, signaling a push on diplomatic and relief channels.