After Iran, Trump says Cuba is next on his admin’s agenda

International

DARKNESS engulfed Cuba following another 24-hour nationwide blackout, as US President Donald Trump said it was “just a question of time” before change comes to the island.

The blackout highlighted the severity of the country’s energy crisis while drawing attention to renewed signals from Washington.

Trump made the remarks on Thursday while appearing with Inter Miami CF players including Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, alongside team owner Jorge Mas.

According to a BBC report, Trump told Mas that they would soon be “celebrating what’s going on in Cuba” and added that Cuban authorities were eager to reach a deal with the US.

Speaking to CNN on Friday, Trump said “Cuba is gonna fall pretty soon” and added that the island’s leadership was negotiating a deal while he might send US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to handle discussions.

He noted that Washington’s current focus was on Iran but said Cuba was ready for change after decades under its current system.

The remarks come amid a turbulent period in the region.

Earlier this year, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro was removed from power, cutting Cuba off from a crucial supply of crude oil.

Efforts by other partners, including Mexico, have not fully filled the gap, leaving the island facing widespread energy shortages. Garbage collection has been disrupted, with piles accumulating in streets and some residents burning rubbish at night, filling neighborhoods with smoke.

Even in parts of the capital, Havana, households have resorted to cooking with firewood during blackouts. Most homes rely on aging Soviet-era power infrastructure, and thermoelectric plants cannot generate enough electricity without sufficient fuel.

Trump and Rubio have signaled that Washington will maintain pressure on Havana.

Critics argue the measures mainly affect ordinary citizens and question whether the policy is intended to prompt unrest.

Reports suggest that Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, grandson of revolutionary leader Raúl Castro, may serve as a point of contact in Havana.

The government has allowed limited private fuel imports, but many Cubans doubt this will make a significant difference.

Tourism has been disrupted, with Air France among airlines suspending flights because aircraft cannot refuel reliably.

Cooler weather has eased some hardship, but residents worry about enduring Cuba’s intense summer heat without electricity or fans.(MyTVCebu)