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Trump Floats "Friendly Takeover" of Cuba Amid Fuel Blockade Pressure

US President Donald Trump has suggested the possibility of a "friendly takeover" of Cuba, citing the island nation's severe economic troubles. His administration has intensified pressure through a fuel blockade signed in late January, aiming to weaken the communist government. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has stated openness to dialogue with the US but firmly rejects any negotiations under duress or preconditions. The White House maintains that Cuba is vulnerable and diplomacy is open, while figures like Secretary of State Marco Rubio support regime change efforts.

Key Points: Trump Suggests "Friendly Takeover" of Cuba, Tightens Blockade

  • Trump suggests "friendly takeover" of Cuba
  • US tightens fuel blockade to pressure regime
  • Cuba open to dialogue but rejects coercion
  • White House claims Cuba is "on its last leg"
  • US aims to control Venezuela's oil to isolate Cuba
2 min read

Trump floats "friendly takeover" of Cuba as US tightens fuel blockade

President Trump suggests a "friendly takeover" of Cuba as the US intensifies a fuel blockade, while Cuban President Diaz-Canel rejects talks under pressure.

"Cuba is willing to engage in dialogue with the United States... but without pressure or preconditions. - Miguel Diaz-Canel"

Washington DC, February 28

US President Donald Trump on Friday said Cuba is in serious economic trouble, suggesting the possibility of a "friendly takeover", as his administration intensifies pressure on the communist government in Havana through a fuel blockade.

Speaking to reporters before a trip to Texas, Trump said, "The Cuban government is talking with us. They're in a big deal of trouble. They have no money. They have nothing right now. But they're talking with us... We could very well end up having a friendly takeover of Cuba."

Trump signed an executive order at the end of January imposing a fuel blockade on the island, aiming to weaken the regime, which depends heavily on imported energy and food, as reported by The Hill.

On February 6, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel stated that his country is open to dialogue with the United States on any issue but firmly rejected talks under duress.

According to France 24, Diaz-Canel insisted, "Cuba is willing to engage in dialogue with the United States, a dialogue on any topic... but without pressure or preconditions."

He emphasised that negotiations must occur "from a position of equals, with respect for our sovereignty, our independence and our self-determination," and without "interference in our internal affairs."

Trump has repeatedly claimed ongoing negotiations with Havana, which Cuban authorities have denied, and warned the island to "make a deal" with Washington "BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE," asserting that Cuba was "ready to fall."

Trump has vowed to block Cuba's oil access, including by controlling Venezuelan supplies after the ouster of its leader last month in a US operation, and threatened tariffs on nations aiding Havana.

The White House, through spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, described Cuba as being "on its last leg" and urged wiser statements toward the US President, while maintaining that diplomacy remains open.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Miami-born son of Cuban immigrants, along with Trump, has openly expressed interest in regime change in Havana.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Blockading fuel is a cruel tactic that hurts ordinary people the most. It's not about the government, it's about families struggling for basics. The US should engage in genuine dialogue, not threats. Our foreign policy has always advocated for peaceful resolution.
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Aman W
Interesting to see this play out. From an Indian strategic perspective, such overt pressure often backfires and strengthens nationalist sentiment in the target country. Cuba's stance for dialogue as equals is the only sustainable path forward.
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Sarah B
While I understand the historical tensions, cutting off essential supplies feels inhumane. There has to be a better way to address political differences than creating a humanitarian crisis. The Cuban president's offer for unconditional talks seems reasonable.
V
Vikram M
The term "friendly takeover" is an oxymoron in international relations. Respect for sovereignty isn't optional. India has maintained good relations with both Cuba and the US by sticking to principles. Hope cooler heads prevail in Washington.
K
Karthik V
As an Indian, I have to respectfully criticize the Cuban government's economic model which has led to this vulnerability. However, that doesn't justify external coercion. Nations must be allowed to find their own path, even if we disagree with it.

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

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