India has joined 129 other countries in calling on the United States to lift its economic, trade and financial restrictions on Cuba. However, support for the resolution at the United Nations fell to its lowest level in three decades, as several countries that had backed it earlier chose to abstain.&nbsp;The UN General Assembly passed the resolution on Wednesday with 130 votes in favour, 17 against and 25 abstentions. The US and Israel voted against it, along with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Morocco, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;The resolution has been presented almost every year since 1992. This year’s text also highlighted the impact of US restrictions on fuel supplies to Cuba, which Washington has imposed since January.<h3>Cuba accuses US of pressuring countries</h3>Cuba has accused the US of trying to persuade other countries to withdraw their support for the resolution.&nbsp;“The world has once again spoken out overwhelmingly against the blockade, even despite the most blatant pressure and blackmail from the US to change the course of this vote,” Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said in a post on X on Wednesday. He later accused Washington of using “gangster-like coercion”.&nbsp;Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez also criticised the US, accusing it of trying to “determine the nation's destiny” and “seize” its wealth.&nbsp;US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz rejected Cuba’s claims, saying the country’s problems were caused by its own government.&nbsp;“The plight of the Cuban people is exclusively the fault of this corrupt communist regime,” Waltz said.He also denied that the US had imposed a naval blockade around Cuba, saying its ports remained open and shipments from other countries continued to arrive.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-in-talks-with-mediators-on-7-day-plan-araghchi-says-tehran-giving-diplomacy-a-chance-1793213071419">Iran in talks with mediators on 7-day plan; Araghchi says Tehran giving diplomacy a chance</a><h3>Heated exchange between US and Cuban envoys</h3>The vote came a day after a heated argument between Rodriguez and Waltz at the UN General Assembly. Rodriguez approached the US ambassador and shouted, “You are a liar!” while Waltz told him to back away.&nbsp;The argument disrupted the session, forcing the chair to briefly suspend proceedings and ask both delegations to return to their seats.&nbsp;During his speech against the resolution, Waltz displayed pictures of Cuban leaders, including Diaz-Canel, wearing luxury watches. Members of the Cuban delegation repeatedly struck their desks in protest.&nbsp;Waltz also showed satellite images and described luxury homes, boats and holidays that he claimed were enjoyed by the Castro family and Cuban officials.

India backed a UN resolution calling for the US to lift its restrictions on Cuba, even as support for the measure fell to its lowest level in three decades and Cuban and US officials exchanged accusations.

India has joined 129 other countries in calling on the United States to lift its economic, trade and financial restrictions on Cuba. However, support for the resolution at the United Nations fell to its lowest level in three decades, as several countries that had backed it earlier chose to abstain. The UN General Assembly passed the resolution on Wednesday with 130 votes in favour, 17 against and 25 abstentions. The US and Israel voted against it, along with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Morocco, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates. The resolution has been presented almost every year since 1992. This year’s text also highlighted the impact of US restrictions on fuel supplies to Cuba, which Washington has imposed since January. Cuba accuses US of pressuring countries Cuba has accused the US of trying to persuade other countries to withdraw their support for the resolution. “The world has once again spoken out overwhelmingly against the blockade, even despite the most blatant pressure and blackmail from the US to change the course of this vote,” Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said in a post on X on Wednesday. He later accused Washington of using “gangster-like coercion”. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez also criticised the US, accusing it of trying to “determine the nation's destiny” and “seize” its wealth. US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz rejected Cuba’s claims, saying the country’s problems were caused by its own government. “The plight of the Cuban people is exclusively the fault of this corrupt communist regime,” Waltz said. He also denied that the US had imposed a naval blockade around Cuba, saying its ports remained open and shipments from other countries continued to arrive. Also Read: Iran in talks with mediators on 7-day plan; Araghchi says Tehran giving diplomacy a chance Heated exchange between US and Cuban envoys The vote came a day after a heated argument between Rodriguez and Waltz at the UN General Assembly. Rodriguez approached the US ambassador and shouted, “You are a liar!” while Waltz told him to back away. The argument disrupted the session, forcing the chair to briefly suspend proceedings and ask both delegations to return to their seats. During his speech against the resolution, Waltz displayed pictures of Cuban leaders, including Diaz-Canel, wearing luxury watches. Members of the Cuban delegation repeatedly struck their desks in protest. Waltz also showed satellite images and described luxury homes, boats and holidays that he claimed were enjoyed by the Castro family and Cuban officials.

India backed a UN resolution calling for the US to lift its restrictions on Cuba, even as support for the measure fell to its lowest level in three decades and Cuban and US officials exchanged accusations.

India among 130 countries calling for end to US embargo on Cuba at UN

A heated exchange erupted at the United Nations between US Ambassador Mike Waltz and Cuba’s Foreign Minister. The confrontation highlighted deepening tensions between Washington and Havana over their longstanding political differences.  Stay tuned to WION for the latest updates from the United Nations and developments in US-Cuba relations.


Mike Waltz heated face off with Cuban foreign minister at UN  

The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on Cuba's state-owned Banco Internacional de Comercio S.A. (BICSA) over its alleged financial links to Iranian institutions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Havana of providing support to foreign adversaries of Washington.&nbsp;"Cuba's Banco Internacional de Comercio S.A. (BICSA) has provided services to the designated Iran's Karafarin Bank since at least 2022," Rubio said in a statement.&nbsp;The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control designated the Havana-based lender as part of broader action against Iranian entities. Rubio accused Cuba of allowing hostile foreign actors to operate close to American territory and vowed to dismantle financial and security links between Havana, Tehran and other countries Washington considers adversaries.&nbsp;"For too long, Communist Cuba has been allowed to operate as an outpost for malign actors and terror groups, including the Islamic Republic of Iran," Rubio said.&nbsp;He added that the Trump administration would not tolerate hostile foreign military, intelligence or terror operations near the United States.&nbsp;Relations between Washington and Havana have deteriorated under US President Donald Trump, whose administration has increased economic pressure on Cuba through sanctions and an oil blockade. The measures have contributed to severe power shortages and prolonged blackouts across the island.&nbsp;The latest sanctions come amid growing tensions over Cuba's alleged ties to Iran and other countries viewed by Washington as adversaries.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/false-accusations-maduro-wife-plead-not-guilty-to-new-us-torture-charges-1792090129550">‘False accusations’: Maduro, wife plead not guilty to new US torture charges</a><h3>Cuba accuses US of pressuring countries over UN vote</h3>Earlier on Thursday, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla accused Rubio of pressuring governments to influence an upcoming United Nations General Assembly vote on the US embargo against Cuba.&nbsp;In a social media post, Rodríguez alleged that Rubio was trying to persuade world leaders to change their votes against the blockade ahead of the vote scheduled for later in October.&nbsp;He accused Washington of using pressure and blackmail to prevent another defeat at the United Nations over its long-running restrictions on Cuba.

United States has sanctioned Cuba's state-owned BICSA over alleged financial links to Iran, as Havana accuses Washington of pressuring countries ahead of a UN vote on the US embargo against the island.

The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on Cuba's state-owned Banco Internacional de Comercio S.A. (BICSA) over its alleged financial links to Iranian institutions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Havana of providing support to foreign adversaries of Washington. "Cuba's Banco Internacional de Comercio S.A. (BICSA) has provided services to the designated Iran's Karafarin Bank since at least 2022," Rubio said in a statement. The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control designated the Havana-based lender as part of broader action against Iranian entities. Rubio accused Cuba of allowing hostile foreign actors to operate close to American territory and vowed to dismantle financial and security links between Havana, Tehran and other countries Washington considers adversaries. "For too long, Communist Cuba has been allowed to operate as an outpost for malign actors and terror groups, including the Islamic Republic of Iran," Rubio said. He added that the Trump administration would not tolerate hostile foreign military, intelligence or terror operations near the United States. Relations between Washington and Havana have deteriorated under US President Donald Trump, whose administration has increased economic pressure on Cuba through sanctions and an oil blockade. The measures have contributed to severe power shortages and prolonged blackouts across the island. The latest sanctions come amid growing tensions over Cuba's alleged ties to Iran and other countries viewed by Washington as adversaries. Also Read: ‘False accusations’: Maduro, wife plead not guilty to new US torture charges Cuba accuses US of pressuring countries over UN vote Earlier on Thursday, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla accused Rubio of pressuring governments to influence an upcoming United Nations General Assembly vote on the US embargo against Cuba. In a social media post, Rodríguez alleged that Rubio was trying to persuade world leaders to change their votes against the blockade ahead of the vote scheduled for later in October. He accused Washington of using pressure and blackmail to prevent another defeat at the United Nations over its long-running restrictions on Cuba.

United States has sanctioned Cuba's state-owned BICSA over alleged financial links to Iran, as Havana accuses Washington of pressuring countries ahead of a UN vote on the US embargo against the island.

US sanctions Cuban state-owned bank BICSA over alleged financial links to Iran

President Trump says the US and Cuba will reach an agreement, telling reporters that military action would not be necessary. "We want to help Cuba," Trump said, striking a more diplomatic tone after months of mounting economic pressure on Havana, including a near-total oil embargo. We break down what Trump said, the backstory behind the tension, and what a potential deal could look like. Watch the full update.


Trump predicts a deal with Cuba: "We want to help" 

US President Donald Trump, on Tuesday during his United Nations General Assembly speech, called Cuba “a failed state". The comment drew a reaction from the Cuban delegation present at the Assembly; they reacted by staging a walkout.&nbsp;“My administration is also seeking a fundamental change in the situation in Cuba, where the Communist regime is under great pressure, the biggest pressure they’ve ever been under."“It’s failing like never before, and it will fall.”“Marco Rubio is handling negotiations. He’s deep into negotiations with Cuba. Let’s see what happens.”“We will not allow a haven for foreign adversaries to threaten America on our own doorstep.”The Cuban delegation can be seen leaving the General Assembly during his comments.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shreyasi-singh-moral-policing-jamui-minors-harassment-1790083348969">BJP’s Shreyasi Singh says ‘moral policing’ can be done ‘more decently’ after Jamui minors’ harassment</a><h2>Cuba reacts to Trump's "failed state" comment&nbsp;</h2>Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla fiercely condemned the speech on social media. He wrote on X “The US government proves incapable of accepting that #Cuba is, and has the right to be, a fully independent and sovereign country." He added, “Cuba is not a threat to the US nor to any country.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">The Cuban delegation has just walked out of Trump&#39;s speech at the UN while he calls their country a failed state. <a href="https://t.co/9B7TA49sMi">pic.twitter.com/9B7TA49sMi</a>&mdash; The Hormuz Letter (@HormuzLetter) <a href="https://x.com/HormuzLetter/status/2102413758576693628?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Iran also stages a walkout</h2>Similarly, part of the Iranian delegation left the assembly as Trump began his Iran portion of the speech. Trump said that he will drive Iran to “hell”, then said that he has a choice to make.“But I have a big decision to make,” Trump said. “Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before? Maybe one of the greatest in the Middle East or even the world?“Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly? Never giving them a chance to kill and destroy countries again?” Trump continued.“Do I drive them into hell with no chance of survival and no hope of future greatness or generations?” Trump asked rhetorically. “But I believe we’ll make a deal, right after the election.”

US President Donald Trump called Cuba a “failed state” during his UN General Assembly speech, prompting the Cuban delegation to walk out.

US President Donald Trump, on Tuesday during his United Nations General Assembly speech, called Cuba “a failed state". The comment drew a reaction from the Cuban delegation present at the Assembly; they reacted by staging a walkout. “My administration is also seeking a fundamental change in the situation in Cuba, where the Communist regime is under great pressure, the biggest pressure they’ve ever been under." “It’s failing like never before, and it will fall.” “Marco Rubio is handling negotiations. He’s deep into negotiations with Cuba. Let’s see what happens.” “We will not allow a haven for foreign adversaries to threaten America on our own doorstep.” The Cuban delegation can be seen leaving the General Assembly during his comments.” Also Read: BJP’s Shreyasi Singh says ‘moral policing’ can be done ‘more decently’ after Jamui minors’ harassment Cuba reacts to Trump's "failed state" comment Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla fiercely condemned the speech on social media. He wrote on X “The US government proves incapable of accepting that #Cuba is, and has the right to be, a fully independent and sovereign country." He added, “Cuba is not a threat to the US nor to any country.”

US President Donald Trump called Cuba a “failed state” during his UN General Assembly speech, prompting the Cuban delegation to walk out.

Trump calls Cuba a ‘failed state’ at UN, Cuban delegation walks out

Cuba's tourism industry is facing a deepening crisis. Tourist arrivals have almost halved in the first half of 2026. With fuel shortages, power outages and U.S. sanctions adding to the pressure, Cuba's tourism slump is now deepening an already severe economic crisis. 

Cuba's tourism drops 49% in first half of 2026 

Cuba's tourism industry is facing a deepening crisis. Tourist arrivals have almost halved in the first half of 2026. With fuel shortages, power outages and U.S. sanctions adding to the pressure, Cuba's tourism slump is now deepening an already severe economic crisis. Take a look at this next report for more.


Cuba's tourism slump deepens

Cuba’s vital tourism industry is facing an unprecedented collapse, with international visitor arrivals plunging dramatically in the first half of 2026. Crippled by severe aviation fuel shortages, rolling blackouts, tightening U.S. sanctions, and the departure of major international hotel chains, once-bustling resorts and historic streets across the island sit largely empty.


Cuba's tourism plummets over 50% in historic crisis; tourists vanish from Cuba

Cuba is facing a deepening economic and humanitarian crisis, with fuel shortages, prolonged power cuts and shortages of food and basic necessities putting millions under pressure. The crisis has become so severe that some Cubans are reportedly collecting discarded food from streets and rubbish to survive.


Cuba's fuel crisis threatens basic services

The United States is not actively preparing or rehearsing for a ground invasion of Cuba, according to statements from senior military leadership like U.S. Southern Command. However, heightened aggressive rhetoric from the White House, a strict oil import blockade, and routine military contingency planning have fueled widespread speculation.


US president increases spies in Cuba; is the US mulling invasion?


US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on Cuba to immediately release more than 700 political prisoners following the release of prominent dissident artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara. Rubio praised the activist for standing up against Cuba's communist government and described the San Isidro Movement as a symbol of hope for the Cuban people. The artist has been granted humanitarian parole in the United States after spending five years in prison.

Marco Rubio urges Cuba to release 700 political prisoners after Dissident artist arrives in US

Cuba's entire national grid went dark again on Tuesday — the third total collapse in just ten days. The island's aging, Soviet-era power plants are running on fumes as a US fuel blockade, imposed since January, chokes off the oil needed to keep generators running. Hospitals are rationing power, public transport has nearly stopped, and tens of thousands of Cubans are waiting on delayed surgeries. Cuban officials blame Washington's sanctions; the US points to decades of failing infrastructure. Either way, 10 million people are living through it.


Cuba’s power grid collapses again: Third blackout this month 

Cuba endures third nationwide blackout in nine days as power grid fails

Cuba is reeling from its second island-wide power grid collapse in less than a week, marking the fourth nationwide blackout this year. As the nation grapples with its worst economic crisis in decades, severe fuel shortages exacerbated by a U.S. energy blockade have left aging power plants unable to meet electricity demand.

Import shortages and fuel crisis continue in Cuba

Cuba has suffered its third nationwide blackout of the year, highlighting the country's worsening energy crisis. The widespread power outage has disrupted daily life and raised fresh concerns over the reliability of Cuba's aging electricity infrastructure. Authorities are working to restore power as residents continue to face recurring outages.

Cuba suffers third blackout of the year as energy crisis deepens

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez has described negotiations with the United States as hitting a wall, with no breakthroughs made towards ending sanctions against the Caribbean island. "The discussions between the Cuban and US governments are showing no progress," Rodriguez told a news conference on Tuesday.

Cuba FM says 'no progress' in negotiations with US

Cuba has approved nearly 200 free-market reforms in a historic bid to revive its crisis-hit economy. Addressing the National Assembly, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero unveiled 176 measures aimed at reducing the state's role in key sectors and attracting investment in banking, tourism, and agriculture. 



Cuba Approves Historic Free-Market Reforms To Revive Economy

The United States has accused Cuba’s communist regime of posing a threat to the security of Americans, escalating tensions between Washington and Havana. US officials raised concerns over regional security, intelligence activities, and Cuba’s ties with rival nations. The remarks come amid strained diplomatic relations and ongoing political disagreements between the two countries.


US Says Cuba’s Communist Government Poses Threat to American Security

US: Cuba's Communist Regime Threatens Security of Americans

The United States on Thursday (June 04) imposed fresh sanctions on Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, members of his family and relatives of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro, marking the latest escalation in Washington's pressure campaign against the communist-run island.&nbsp;Among those sanctioned are Díaz-Canel, his wife and stepson, along with Alejandro Castro Espín, the son of Raúl Castro, and other members of the Castro family. The US Treasury Department also targeted Cuba's Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and several other entities linked to the government.&nbsp;The move comes as the Trump administration continues to tighten restrictions on Havana despite the decades-old US embargo already in place. In recent months, Washington has expanded sanctions, imposed new economic restrictions and increased pressure on Cuba's leadership and key state-controlled sectors.&nbsp;Relations between Washington and Havana have deteriorated sharply following a series of aggressive US policy measures. Tensions intensified in May after US prosecutors filed criminal charges against former Cuban president Raúl Castro over the 1996 downing of a civilian aircraft operated by Miami-based Cuban exiles.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-proposes-direct-meeting-with-putin-to-end-ukraine-war-kremlin-says-he-can-visit-moscow-anytime-1780603266292">Zelensky proposes direct meeting with Putin to end Ukraine war; Kremlin says he can visit Moscow anytime</a>&nbsp;The latest sanctions also come against the backdrop of Cuba's deepening economic and energy crisis. A de facto fuel blockade and broader US restrictions have strained the island's economy, contributing to shortages and prolonged energy disruptions. Recent measures have also affected Cuba's ability to process international card payments and attract foreign investment.&nbsp;Washington had already imposed visa restrictions on Díaz-Canel and other senior Cuban officials in 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Trump administration has repeatedly indicated that it intends to maintain maximum pressure on the Cuban government, with the US president suggesting that Cuba could face the same sustained campaign that Washington previously directed at Venezuela.

The Trump administration has signalled that it will continue its maximum-pressure strategy against Cuba, similar to the campaign previously aimed at Venezuela.

The United States on Thursday (June 04) imposed fresh sanctions on Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, members of his family and relatives of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro, marking the latest escalation in Washington's pressure campaign against the communist-run island. Among those sanctioned are Díaz-Canel, his wife and stepson, along with Alejandro Castro Espín, the son of Raúl Castro, and other members of the Castro family. The US Treasury Department also targeted Cuba's Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and several other entities linked to the government. The move comes as the Trump administration continues to tighten restrictions on Havana despite the decades-old US embargo already in place. In recent months, Washington has expanded sanctions, imposed new economic restrictions and increased pressure on Cuba's leadership and key state-controlled sectors. Relations between Washington and Havana have deteriorated sharply following a series of aggressive US policy measures. Tensions intensified in May after US prosecutors filed criminal charges against former Cuban president Raúl Castro over the 1996 downing of a civilian aircraft operated by Miami-based Cuban exiles. Also Read: Zelensky proposes direct meeting with Putin to end Ukraine war; Kremlin says he can visit Moscow anytime The latest sanctions also come against the backdrop of Cuba's deepening economic and energy crisis. A de facto fuel blockade and broader US restrictions have strained the island's economy, contributing to shortages and prolonged energy disruptions. Recent measures have also affected Cuba's ability to process international card payments and attract foreign investment. Washington had already imposed visa restrictions on Díaz-Canel and other senior Cuban officials in 2025. The Trump administration has repeatedly indicated that it intends to maintain maximum pressure on the Cuban government, with the US president suggesting that Cuba could face the same sustained campaign that Washington previously directed at Venezuela.

The Trump administration has signalled that it will continue its maximum-pressure strategy against Cuba, similar to the campaign previously aimed at Venezuela.

Trump administration imposes sanctions on Cuban president, relatives of Raúl Castro

Cuba has marked the 95th birthday of former leader Raul Castro at a time of mounting economic and geopolitical challenges. Castro, who led the country until 2018, was last seen publicly during the May Day rally in Havana.

The island nation is currently grappling with severe diesel and fuel oil shortages, worsening economic hardships and growing pressure from the United States. As concerns mount over Cuba's future, the country finds itself navigating one of the most difficult periods in recent years.

Cuba Under Pressure As Raul Castro Turns 95 Amid Fuel Crisis & U.S. Tensions

The White House has launched a new immigration enforcement website called “Aliens.gov”  using UFO-style branding and “alien disclosure” language to track migrant arrests and ICE operations across the United States. But as the administration pushes its aggressive immigration crackdown, growing attention is turning toward conditions inside detention centers. An Associated Press investigation says suicides and deaths in ICE custody have surged to record levels since January 2025.


US Builds Massive Military Presence Around Cuba as Island Crisis Deepens

China has pledged to support Cuba, as the Caribbean island faces mounting pressure from the US. The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in a bilateral meeting with Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, said that Beijing will assist Havana and confront “power politics and bullying”, Chinese State media reported on Wednesday. Cuba is crumbling from the inside under an energy blockade from the United States.“China will continue to uphold justice and speak out on Cuba’s behalf, support the just cause of the Cuban people, and contribute to the development of Cuba’s economy and the improvement of its people’s livelihoods,” Wang Yi told the Cuban foreign minister, according to a Chinese readout of the meeting as reported by the Chinese State media on Wednesday. “It is essential to steadfastly respect the sovereignty and independence of all nations, and to oppose all forms of power politics and bullying,” he added, referring to the United States.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cuba-humanitarian-crisis-us-tensions-un-trump-1779880064541">Cuba warns of ‘humanitarian catastrophe’ seeks international help amid US sanctions</a>Cuban Foreign Minister Rodriguez, on Wednesday at the United Nations Security Council meeting, urged support from the international community, pointing at the dismal situation resulting from the sanctions, energy shortages and fuel pressure and said that the Caribbean nation faces a "humanitarian catastrophe." He said that Cuba is on the brink as it suffers from a blackout for 22 hours or more.Trump had previously, in January, following the ousting of Nicolas Maduro, cut off Cuba's supply lines from Venezuela. Now the US has increased its pressure on the island nation. Last week it indicted the 94-year-old former Cuban leader Raúl Castro, over the 1996 drowning of two US-based planes. Trump has publicly floated the idea of invading Cuba, justifying that many other Presidents wanted to, “it looks like I'll be the one that does it.”China's Foreign Ministry, in response to the indictment, urged the US to “stop brandishing... the judicial stick against Cuba and stop threatening force at every turn."Cuba has praised China’s unique ability to build consensus and shield developing Global South countries from coercive foreign policies&nbsp;&nbsp;

China has vowed to support Cuba as the island faces severe blackouts, sanctions and mounting pressure from the Trump administration. Beijing accused the US of “power politics and bullying” while Havana warned of a humanitarian catastrophe.

China has pledged to support Cuba, as the Caribbean island faces mounting pressure from the US. The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in a bilateral meeting with Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, said that Beijing will assist Havana and confront “power politics and bullying”, Chinese State media reported on Wednesday. Cuba is crumbling from the inside under an energy blockade from the United States. “China will continue to uphold justice and speak out on Cuba’s behalf, support the just cause of the Cuban people, and contribute to the development of Cuba’s economy and the improvement of its people’s livelihoods,” Wang Yi told the Cuban foreign minister, according to a Chinese readout of the meeting as reported by the Chinese State media on Wednesday. “It is essential to steadfastly respect the sovereignty and independence of all nations, and to oppose all forms of power politics and bullying,” he added, referring to the United States. Also Read: Cuba warns of ‘humanitarian catastrophe’ seeks international help amid US sanctions Cuban Foreign Minister Rodriguez, on Wednesday at the United Nations Security Council meeting, urged support from the international community, pointing at the dismal situation resulting from the sanctions, energy shortages and fuel pressure and said that the Caribbean nation faces a "humanitarian catastrophe." He said that Cuba is on the brink as it suffers from a blackout for 22 hours or more. Trump had previously, in January, following the ousting of Nicolas Maduro, cut off Cuba's supply lines from Venezuela. Now the US has increased its pressure on the island nation. Last week it indicted the 94-year-old former Cuban leader Raúl Castro, over the 1996 drowning of two US-based planes. Trump has publicly floated the idea of invading Cuba, justifying that many other Presidents wanted to, “it looks like I'll be the one that does it.” China's Foreign Ministry, in response to the indictment, urged the US to “stop brandishing... the judicial stick against Cuba and stop threatening force at every turn."Cuba has praised China’s unique ability to build consensus and shield developing Global South countries from coercive foreign policies

China has vowed to support Cuba as the island faces severe blackouts, sanctions and mounting pressure from the Trump administration. Beijing accused the US of “power politics and bullying” while Havana warned of a humanitarian catastrophe.

China backs Cuba against US ‘bullying’ as Havana faces humanitarian crisis

US Senator Marco Rubio has sharply criticized Cuba, calling it a “failed state” and condemning the Cuban government’s policies. He stated that the United States seeks a better future for the Cuban people, emphasizing support for democratic reforms and human rights. The remarks come amid continued political tensions between Washington and Havana, as the US maintains pressure on the Cuban leadership over governance and economic conditions.


Rubio Calls Cuba 'Failed State, Slams Govt; US Wants Something Good for Cubans

Cuba has urged the international community for urgent support, as tension with the United States continues to grow over sanctions, energy shortages and fuel pressure. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla told the United Nations Security Council that “now should be the time for solidarity” as the Caribbean nation faces a "humanitarian catastrophe.""I call on the international community to mobilise to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe that could be imposed through arms or the fuel blockade," Rodriguez told the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday. The island nation is facing a serious humanitarian crisis due to US-led sanctions provoking scarcities of basic food, medicine and electricity. The country is on the brink as it suffers from a blackout for 22 hours or more.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-southcom-strike-drug-boat-pacific-trump-cartel-strategy-1779871627133">One dead, two survivors after US military hits alleged narco-trafficking vessel</a>Ahead of the Security Council session, Rodriguez posted on X, “I requested the UN's contribution to halt a US military aggression against Cuba, which would provoke a bloodbath, and to put an end to the threats of using force.” This comes as US President Donald Trump has openly mused about taking over Cuba, just after the abduction of the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that the island nation was a threat to the US national security. Rodriguez reiterated Havana's willingness to participate in any bilateral discussion with the US.&nbsp;"It is an idea that goes against logic and common sense," said Rodriguez, responding to claims that the US poses a threat to national security, adding, "Let Cuba live in peace."Last week, the US increased its pressure on Havana, including the indictment of a 94-year-old former Cuban leader Raul Castro, over the 1996 drowning of two US-based planes. Trump said that many presidents have wanted to invade Cuba, but “it looks like I'll be the one that does it.”

Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla urged the UN Security Council to help prevent a “humanitarian catastrophe” in Cuba amid rising tensions, sanctions and military threats from the United States.

Cuba has urged the international community for urgent support, as tension with the United States continues to grow over sanctions, energy shortages and fuel pressure. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla told the United Nations Security Council that “now should be the time for solidarity” as the Caribbean nation faces a "humanitarian catastrophe." "I call on the international community to mobilise to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe that could be imposed through arms or the fuel blockade," Rodriguez told the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday. The island nation is facing a serious humanitarian crisis due to US-led sanctions provoking scarcities of basic food, medicine and electricity. The country is on the brink as it suffers from a blackout for 22 hours or more. Also Read: One dead, two survivors after US military hits alleged narco-trafficking vessel Ahead of the Security Council session, Rodriguez posted on X, “I requested the UN's contribution to halt a US military aggression against Cuba, which would provoke a bloodbath, and to put an end to the threats of using force.” This comes as US President Donald Trump has openly mused about taking over Cuba, just after the abduction of the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that the island nation was a threat to the US national security. Rodriguez reiterated Havana's willingness to participate in any bilateral discussion with the US. "It is an idea that goes against logic and common sense," said Rodriguez, responding to claims that the US poses a threat to national security, adding, "Let Cuba live in peace." Last week, the US increased its pressure on Havana, including the indictment of a 94-year-old former Cuban leader Raul Castro, over the 1996 drowning of two US-based planes. Trump said that many presidents have wanted to invade Cuba, but “it looks like I'll be the one that does it.”

Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla urged the UN Security Council to help prevent a “humanitarian catastrophe” in Cuba amid rising tensions, sanctions and military threats from the United States.

Cuba warns of ‘humanitarian catastrophe’ seeks international help amid US sanctions

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has declared that Cuba poses an ongoing national security threat to the United States and suggested that there are few chances of a peaceful agreement. His comments came as the US charged Cuba's former President Raúl Castro with murder over the 1996 downing of two planes, which resulted in the death of US nationals. Rubio told reporters on Thursday that the island nation maintains close ties to foreign adversaries Russia and China.“Their economic system doesn’t work. It’s broken, and you can’t fix it with the current political system that’s in place,” said Rubio, rejecting suggestions of “nation building.” The issue is one of “national security”.He asserted that Cuba has gotten used to waiting out US economic sanctions. “They’re not going to be able to wait us out or buy time. We’re very serious, we’re very focused.”US President Donald Trump said that he may take direct action against the island. He claimed that many US presidents wanted to intervene in Cuba for decades, but it looks like he will be “the one that does it”, adding that he would be “happy” to do so.<h2>Cuba accused Rubio of lying&nbsp;</h2>Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez accused Rubio of propagating "lies" and said that the island never posed a threat to the US, and said it was a stunt to “instigate a military aggression”. Rubio announced the arrest and green card revocation of Adys Lastres Morera, the sister of a high-ranking executive of GAESA (Grupo de Administración Empresarial SA), a mega conglomerate run by the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces.Cuba is suffering from a crippling power crisis and accepted a US offer of $100m (£74.4m) in humanitarian aid. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on Monday that any US military action against Cuba would lead to a “bloodbath”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reikado-hall-eternal-flame-legacy-japan-1779439137008">Japan's Buddhist hall housing 1200-year-old 'eternal flame' destroyed by fire</a><h2>Will Venezuelan model work on Cuba?</h2>Analysts suggest that the US will see a Venezuela model of intervention in Cuba, when President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were kidnapped and presented to the US Federal Court on charges of “narco-terrorism”. “Everyone in Cuba is trained militarily and … incorporated into this system of national defence,” Yaffe, a professor of Latin American political economy at the University of Glasgow, and host of the podcast titled Cuba Analysis, said to Al Jazeera. Yaffe claims that the Venezuelan model won't work in Cuba, while abducting Maduro, US forces faced resistance from guards who were Cubans. The narrative from Cuban leaders is that it was 32 Cubans; now they have to face 10 million Cubans. Cuba has a relatively ageing military, but the strength is in its massive asymmetry and its foundational defensive strategy known as the “War of the Whole People”. Cuba has 45,500 to 49,000 active-duty personnel across the navy, army and air force, and 1.14 million personnel, making up the third-largest paramilitary reserve in the world for engaging in guerrilla warfare.&nbsp;China on Friday said that it “firmly supports” Cuba and urged the US to de-escalate tensions and “stop threatening force”. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said: “We believe that under no circumstances should such methods - which border on violence - be used against either former or current heads of state.”&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Cuba a national security threat after Washington charged former Cuban leader Raúl Castro with murder over the 1996 plane shootdown.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has declared that Cuba poses an ongoing national security threat to the United States and suggested that there are few chances of a peaceful agreement. His comments came as the US charged Cuba's former President Raúl Castro with murder over the 1996 downing of two planes, which resulted in the death of US nationals. Rubio told reporters on Thursday that the island nation maintains close ties to foreign adversaries Russia and China. “Their economic system doesn’t work. It’s broken, and you can’t fix it with the current political system that’s in place,” said Rubio, rejecting suggestions of “nation building.” The issue is one of “national security”.He asserted that Cuba has gotten used to waiting out US economic sanctions. “They’re not going to be able to wait us out or buy time. We’re very serious, we’re very focused.” US President Donald Trump said that he may take direct action against the island. He claimed that many US presidents wanted to intervene in Cuba for decades, but it looks like he will be “the one that does it”, adding that he would be “happy” to do so. Cuba accused Rubio of lying Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez accused Rubio of propagating "lies" and said that the island never posed a threat to the US, and said it was a stunt to “instigate a military aggression”. Rubio announced the arrest and green card revocation of Adys Lastres Morera, the sister of a high-ranking executive of GAESA (Grupo de Administración Empresarial SA), a mega conglomerate run by the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces. Cuba is suffering from a crippling power crisis and accepted a US offer of $100m (£74.4m) in humanitarian aid. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on Monday that any US military action against Cuba would lead to a “bloodbath” Also Read: Japan's Buddhist hall housing 1200-year-old 'eternal flame' destroyed by fire Will Venezuelan model work on Cuba? Analysts suggest that the US will see a Venezuela model of intervention in Cuba, when President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were kidnapped and presented to the US Federal Court on charges of “narco-terrorism”. “Everyone in Cuba is trained militarily and … incorporated into this system of national defence,” Yaffe, a professor of Latin American political economy at the University of Glasgow, and host of the podcast titled Cuba Analysis, said to Al Jazeera. Yaffe claims that the Venezuelan model won't work in Cuba, while abducting Maduro, US forces faced resistance from guards who were Cubans. The narrative from Cuban leaders is that it was 32 Cubans; now they have to face 10 million Cubans. Cuba has a relatively ageing military, but the strength is in its massive asymmetry and its foundational defensive strategy known as the “War of the Whole People”. Cuba has 45,500 to 49,000 active-duty personnel across the navy, army and air force, and 1.14 million personnel, making up the third-largest paramilitary reserve in the world for engaging in guerrilla warfare. China on Friday said that it “firmly supports” Cuba and urged the US to de-escalate tensions and “stop threatening force”. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said: “We believe that under no circumstances should such methods - which border on violence - be used against either former or current heads of state.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Cuba a national security threat after Washington charged former Cuban leader Raúl Castro with murder over the 1996 plane shootdown.

Marco Rubio calls Cuba a national security threat, Havana calls him liar

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington prefers diplomacy in dealing with Cuba but stressed that “all options remain open.”
The remarks come amid rising geopolitical tensions and growing scrutiny over regional security issues in the Caribbean.

US-Cuba Tensions: Marco Rubio Issues Strong Warning To Cuba, Says 'All Options Remain Open

Tensions between U.S. and Cuba hit a record low after America indicted former Cuban President Raul Castro on charges of murder. Amid this, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Cubans to get rid of their government. He also claimed that Cuba had accepted the U.S. offer of humanitarian aid.


Raul Castro Indicted in US, Rubio Asks Cubans to Get Rid of Government

Marco Rubio spoke about humanitarian aid to Cuba and rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz before departing for a major NATO foreign ministers’ meeting. Rubio said “no one is in favour” of disruptions or tolls linked to the strategic waterway, which remains critical for global oil shipments. His remarks come at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, with NATO allies closely watching developments in the Middle East and broader global security concerns.


BREAKING: Rubio Speaks On Cuba Aid, Hormuz Tensions Before Key NATO Meeting 

Raul Castro has reportedly been indicted in the United States over the 1996 downing of civilian aircraft linked to the Brothers to the Rescue incident, a case that killed four people and intensified US-Cuba tensions for decades. The development sparked emotional celebrations among Cuban expatriates in Miami, many of whom have long demanded accountability from Cuba’s leadership.


Raul Castro Indictment: US Charges Former Cuban Prez With Murder

Cuba is bracing for a potential invasion from the United States, as negotiations with the Trump administration have produced no concrete results. Lianys Torres Rivera, the Cuban ambassador to the US, in an interview with the US media, The Hill, said that they were preparing to defend themselves “now more than ever”. Rivera said that it was a critical 24-hour period for Cuba. The US blockade of Cuba has led to a complete exhaustion of its fuel supplies, leading to widespread protests in the streets.&nbsp;“When they are enduring 20 hours of blackouts, they have grievances, and they express them,” Rivera told The Hill. She again warned that the US should not confuse that with a Cuban surrender or a weakening Cuban resolve. She cautioned against taking a “wrong reading” of the situation.&nbsp;“We are preparing for this,” Torres Rivera told The Hill of an invasion.“Now we are doing more than ever. We cannot be naive. We cannot be naive. And in the way that we are preparing, it’s not in an offensive way. It’s not that we are preparing to be the first to do any action against the US territory or against the US people. We don’t want that. We are preparing to defend ourselves. And our minister was saying the other day, it could be a big mistake. It could be a bloodbath. We don’t want Cubans dying in Cuba,” she said, nor “any American soldier.”The US have already floated ideas of “friendly takeover” of Cuba in February 2026, Trump called it a “failed nation”. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the current regime “incompetent”.“It’s in our national interest, and to have a prosperous Cuba, not to have a failed state 90 miles from our shores,” &nbsp;said Rubio. Marco Rubio, for years identified as belonging to a family of exiles of Cuban communist rule, later backtracked following a report by The Washington Post which revealed his parents, Mario and Oriales Rubio, actually immigrated legally to the US on a commercial flight in May 1956. This was over two and a half years before the Cuban Revolution succeeded. They left during the right-wing dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista primarily for economic opportunities.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latvia-pm-evika-silina-resigns-ukrainian-drone-crisis-1778908302959">Russia mocks Latvian PM Evika Siliņa's resignation as 'Zelensky curse' - What’s next for Latvia?</a>“We want Cubans not to have to leave that island to be successful. But they can’t, because the current model they have … it’s broken. It doesn’t work, and it’ll never change, as long as the people that are there now are running it,” said Rubio.&nbsp;The Trump administration has publicly offered $100 million in humanitarian aid and free satellite internet to the island in May 2026. However, this financing comes with strict political stipulations: the Cuban government must enact sweeping, structural free-market and political reforms to receive the money. The administration has explicitly warned Cuban leaders to “make a deal before it's too late”.CBS News on Thursday reported that the Trump administration was preparing to indict former Cuban President Raúl Castro on charges in connection with the shooting down of planes 30 years ago, something similar to the absurd trial of the abducted Venezuelan leader, Nicolas Maduro.&nbsp;Cuba has recently opened its economy, announcing in March that it would allow Cubans living abroad to invest in the country and open businesses. The government also signed into law a policy giving small businesses&nbsp;greater autonomy. But this did not impress the US, which had been strangling the economy for decades.&nbsp;“Cuba has done nothing to put in danger the U.S., to put in danger your way of life, to put in danger your businesses, your national security. We are not a threat to the U.S., so there’s no reason for the US to invade Cuba or take any military action against Cuba. We are a small island that wants only to be left alone to decide our future in the way that Cubans want,” said Lianys Torres Rivera. In March 2026, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío confirmed that the country is preparing for the "possibility of military aggression".The Cuban government is running drills in preparation for an invasion, said President Miguel Díaz-Canel, in a rare interview with a US media outlet.&nbsp;

Cuba says it is preparing for a possible US invasion as negotiations with the Trump administration fail to produce results. Amid blackouts, protests and economic crisis, Cuban officials warn that military action could become a “bloodbath”.

Cuba is bracing for a potential invasion from the United States, as negotiations with the Trump administration have produced no concrete results. Lianys Torres Rivera, the Cuban ambassador to the US, in an interview with the US media, The Hill, said that they were preparing to defend themselves “now more than ever”. Rivera said that it was a critical 24-hour period for Cuba. The US blockade of Cuba has led to a complete exhaustion of its fuel supplies, leading to widespread protests in the streets. “When they are enduring 20 hours of blackouts, they have grievances, and they express them,” Rivera told The Hill. She again warned that the US should not confuse that with a Cuban surrender or a weakening Cuban resolve. She cautioned against taking a “wrong reading” of the situation. “We are preparing for this,” Torres Rivera told The Hill of an invasion. “Now we are doing more than ever. We cannot be naive. We cannot be naive. And in the way that we are preparing, it’s not in an offensive way. It’s not that we are preparing to be the first to do any action against the US territory or against the US people. We don’t want that. We are preparing to defend ourselves. And our minister was saying the other day, it could be a big mistake. It could be a bloodbath. We don’t want Cubans dying in Cuba,” she said, nor “any American soldier.” The US have already floated ideas of “friendly takeover” of Cuba in February 2026, Trump called it a “failed nation”. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the current regime “incompetent”.“It’s in our national interest, and to have a prosperous Cuba, not to have a failed state 90 miles from our shores,” said Rubio. Marco Rubio, for years identified as belonging to a family of exiles of Cuban communist rule, later backtracked following a report by The Washington Post which revealed his parents, Mario and Oriales Rubio, actually immigrated legally to the US on a commercial flight in May 1956. This was over two and a half years before the Cuban Revolution succeeded. They left during the right-wing dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista primarily for economic opportunities. Also Read: Russia mocks Latvian PM Evika Siliņa's resignation as 'Zelensky curse' - What’s next for Latvia? “We want Cubans not to have to leave that island to be successful. But they can’t, because the current model they have … it’s broken. It doesn’t work, and it’ll never change, as long as the people that are there now are running it,” said Rubio. The Trump administration has publicly offered $100 million in humanitarian aid and free satellite internet to the island in May 2026. However, this financing comes with strict political stipulations: the Cuban government must enact sweeping, structural free-market and political reforms to receive the money. The administration has explicitly warned Cuban leaders to “make a deal before it's too late”. CBS News on Thursday reported that the Trump administration was preparing to indict former Cuban President Raúl Castro on charges in connection with the shooting down of planes 30 years ago, something similar to the absurd trial of the abducted Venezuelan leader, Nicolas Maduro. Cuba has recently opened its economy, announcing in March that it would allow Cubans living abroad to invest in the country and open businesses. The government also signed into law a policy giving small businesses greater autonomy. But this did not impress the US, which had been strangling the economy for decades. “Cuba has done nothing to put in danger the U.S., to put in danger your way of life, to put in danger your businesses, your national security. We are not a threat to the U.S., so there’s no reason for the US to invade Cuba or take any military action against Cuba. We are a small island that wants only to be left alone to decide our future in the way that Cubans want,” said Lianys Torres Rivera. In March 2026, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío confirmed that the country is preparing for the "possibility of military aggression".The Cuban government is running drills in preparation for an invasion, said President Miguel Díaz-Canel, in a rare interview with a US media outlet.