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Cuba Accuses US of Lying Over Fuel Blockade Amid Economic Crisis

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez has publicly accused the United States of "blatantly lying" about imposing a fuel blockade on the island, citing specific executive orders. He claims US policy deliberately aims to weaken Cuba's economy and restrict its access to markets and technology, exacerbating a severe energy crisis. The accusations come alongside reported remarks from former US President Donald Trump, who threatened "Cuba is next" following US military actions in Venezuela and Iran. These developments highlight escalating tensions and the humanitarian impact of long-standing sanctions on Cuba.

Key Points: Cuba Slams US for 'Lying' Over Fuel Blockade, Trump Threatens

  • Cuba accuses US of lying about fuel blockade
  • US measures threaten third-country oil suppliers
  • Policy aims to cripple Cuban economy
  • Trump threatens "Cuba is next"
  • Crisis linked to decades of US sanctions
2 min read

Cuba slams US for 'lying' over fuel blockade

Cuban FM denounces US fuel blockade as "blatant lying," citing economic crisis. Trump remarks "Cuba is next" after actions in Venezuela and Iran.

"blatantly lying - Bruno Rodriguez"

Havana, March 29

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez denounced the United States for "blatantly lying" over a fuel blockade against the island.

In a post on social media platform X, Rodriguez said US claims contradict its own executive orders and regulations, citing a January 29 executive order and subsequent US measures as evidence of a "brutal blockade" on fuel supplies to Cuba.

He said the measures include threats of sanctions against third countries and foreign companies supplying oil to Cuba, as well as hostile actions targeting oil tankers, Xinhua news agency reported.

Rodriguez added that Washington's policy aims to weaken Cuba's economy, hinder its development, cut off its sources of income, and restrict its access to markets and technology.

Cuba has been facing a severe economic and energy crisis due to decades of US sanctions. The United Nations says fuel shortage is pushing the country into a humanitarian crisis.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump threatened, "Cuba is next" following US attacks on Venezuela and Iran.

"Cuba is next, by the way, but pretend I didn't say that please. Pretend I didn't say that. Please, please, please media, please disregard that statement. Thank you very much. Cuba's next." Trump said on Friday (local time) at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Miami, Florida.

The remarks came after the US military raided Venezuela and forcibly seized the oil-rich South American country's president, Nicolas Maduro, on January 3 and launched the ongoing massive joint attacks with Israel on Iran on February 28.

Earlier this month, Trump threatened that Cuba is going to "fall pretty soon," but his administration will focus on Iran "right now."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an Indian, I can't help but see parallels with how powerful nations try to bully smaller ones. We must stand for sovereignty. No country should have the right to strangle another's economy like this. 🇮🇳
M
Michael C
While the US actions seem heavy-handed, we also have to acknowledge Cuba's own economic policies have contributed to this crisis. It's rarely just one side. A more balanced approach from Havana might open doors.
S
Sarah B
The humanitarian impact is heartbreaking. Blocking fuel means no electricity for hospitals, no transport for food. This isn't about politics anymore, it's about basic human needs. The world needs to pay attention.
R
Rohit P
Trump's "Cuba is next" comment is so irresponsible! It's like he's treating foreign policy like a reality TV show. This affects real lives. The US needs consistent, thoughtful diplomacy, not threats on a stage.
K
Kavya N
India should use its diplomatic weight here. We have good relations with both nations. Maybe we can help facilitate dialogue or even explore energy partnerships? We have the expertise and could play a constructive role.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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