Washington DC [US], March 28 (ANI) — US President Donald Trump said Saturday that Cuba was ‘next’ while speaking at the Future Investment Initiative, following comments about US strikes on Iran. Delivering brief remarks at the event, he added, ‘And Cuba’s next, by the way. But pretend I didn’t say that. Cuba’s next.’
On Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized Cuba’s economy, calling the country ‘a disaster’ and saying its lack of oil and fuel is tied to expectations that resources be provided for free. The State Department shared Rubio’s remarks on social media.
Separately, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that health services in Cuba are under severe strain and must not be undermined by geopolitics, energy blockades or power outages. Tedros said the situation in Cuba is ‘deeply concerning’ as energy shortages disrupt delivery of health services.
Amid rising tensions and growing restrictions on energy and trade, a humanitarian flotilla from Mexico has begun reaching Cuba. Al Jazeera reported that the first vessel from the ‘Nuestra America’ convoy arrived in Havana carrying about 30 people and supplies including food, medicine, solar panels and bicycles. The boat, dubbed ‘Granma 2.0’ in reference to the original Granma that brought revolutionaries to Cuba, departed from Puerto Progreso, Mérida, last week; two other vessels were reported to be en route.
The flotilla positions itself against what organisers describe as an intensifying US energy blockade that has worsened Cuba’s economic and energy crises. Media reports cite statements from Trump and some allies expressing a desire for regime change in Cuba; Trump has previously said he could ‘take’ Cuba and install a government more amenable to US demands.
The arrival of aid from the convoy underscores mounting humanitarian concerns amid political pressure and sanctions-related shortages. International observers and health officials have urged protection of medical services and civilian needs regardless of geopolitical disputes.
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