Trump sets his sights on crisis-hit Cuba after Iran action

March 6, 2026

President Trump has indicated that Cuba is a priority target for his administration, suggesting regime change is imminent and claiming Cuban authorities are eager to negotiate a deal. The island nation is experiencing a severe crisis following U.S. military action in Venezuela, which cut off Cuba's primary oil supply, leading to widespread fuel shortages and repeated nationwide blackouts. The infrastructure is crumbling with garbage piling up in streets, limited transportation, and an electrical grid unable to meet basic needs.

Who is affected

Ordinary Cuban citizens experiencing blackouts, fuel shortages, and deteriorating public services
Cuban government leadership facing pressure and reportedly engaged in negotiations
Cuba's private sector businesses struggling without adequate fuel supplies
Tourists and international airlines (particularly Air France) whose travel has been disrupted
Inter Miami soccer team owner Jorge Mas (Cuban-born) who met with Trump
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who may be involved in negotiations
Venezuelan leadership, whose removal from power triggered Cuba's oil crisis

What action is being taken

The Trump administration is maintaining pressure on Cuba through energy supply restrictions
The Cuban government has authorized limited steps allowing the private sector to import fuel for their businesses
International airlines like Air France are suspending flights to Cuba
Some Havana residents are burning garbage piles at night due to non-functioning waste collection
People in affluent parts of Havana are cooking with firewood during blackouts

Why it matters

This situation represents a significant geopolitical shift in the Americas following the forced removal of Venezuela's Maduro, demonstrating how U.S. policy can create cascading regional effects. The severe humanitarian crisis in Cuba—with collapsing infrastructure, public health concerns, and basic service failures—tests the limits of economic pressure as a diplomatic tool. The situation raises critical questions about whether such strategies effectively target government leadership or primarily harm civilian populations, potentially setting a precedent for U.S. engagement with other adversarial nations in the region.

What's next

Trump plans to deploy Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Cuba for possible face-to-face negotiations
The administration intends to continue pressure on Cuba after addressing Iran
Concerns are growing about how Cubans will cope during intense summer temperatures without air-conditioning or fans
Potential fears of widespread public health crisis or internal uprising due to deteriorating conditions

Read full article from source: BBC