Cuba: Politics

During March, U.S. President Donald Trump made a series of public statements identifying Cuba as a primary focus following U.S. actions against Iran, suggesting a potential shift in policy. He stated Cuba was “next,” called for a “friendly takeover,” and said he believed he could do “anything I want” with the country, while also offering the Cuban government an unspecified deal. Concurrently, Cuba’s president confirmed the existence of previously secret bilateral talks with Trump administration officials, acknowledging these occurred under intense U.S. economic pressure, including a fuel blockade contributing to domestic blackouts.

In response to these threats, Cuban officials, including the president, stated the country is preparing for possible U.S. military aggression and vowed “unbreakable resistance.” The government also engaged in diplomatic and humanitarian measures, securing the arrival of a Russian oil tanker and announcing the early release of 51 prisoners following Vatican mediation. Regionally, Cuba shut its embassy in Quito after Ecuador’s president expelled Cuban diplomats. Meanwhile, international support for Cuba was signaled by China and Mexico, which opposed external interference and sent aid.