Trump sets his sights on crisis-hit Cuba after Iran action
Trump sets his sights on crisis-hit Cuba after Iran action
Following another 24-hour nationwide power outage that left Cuba in chaos, US President Donald Trump hinted that the island was on the brink of change, according to his administration’s plans. During a meeting with the Inter Miami soccer team’s owner, Cuban-born magnate Jorge Mas, the leader remarked that the situation would soon lead to “celebrating what’s going on in Cuba.” He emphasized that Cuban officials “want to make a deal. So badly you have no idea,” suggesting potential negotiations ahead.
“It’s just a question of time” before transformation occurs, Trump claimed, while noting that the current focus remains on Iran. “But we’ve got plenty of time. Cuba’s ready—after 50 years,” he added, indicating the administration’s long-term strategy.
With the nation’s energy infrastructure struggling, the crisis has forced citizens to adapt. In Havana, even those in affluent neighborhoods have resorted to firewood for cooking during blackouts. Meanwhile, streets are filled with smoky piles of waste, as residents burn garbage to cope with the heat. Generators and vehicles alike face challenges without sufficient fuel, reliant on Cuba’s aging Soviet-era grid.
The pressure on Cuba intensified after the US military intervention in Venezuela, which ousted leader Nicolas Maduro on 3 January. As a result, the island lost its primary oil supplier, leaving energy partners like Mexico unable to compensate. The consequences are visible across the country, from rationed electricity to disrupted air travel. Air France recently suspended flights to Cuba due to refueling shortages, highlighting the economic strain.
Trump and his allies, including Senator Marco Rubio, have maintained that Cuba must endure the pressure. The strategy, they argue, aims to weaken the island’s leadership before talks. However, critics point out that the average Cuban is bearing the brunt of the hardship, raising questions about whether the tactics are designed to spark internal dissent. The Cuban government has not officially confirmed ongoing discussions, though Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, the grandson of former leader Raúl Castro, is reportedly acting as a liaison in Havana.
