Díaz-Canel refuses to make political concessions amid U.S. pressure Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has reaffirmed his refusal to make significant political concessions to the United States, despite escalating tensions between the two nations. In an interview with NBC News’ Kristen Welker recorded in Havana, Díaz-Canel emphasized that his government would not resign or alter its socialist system to meet U.S. demands. The interview, aired on Sunday, comes amid heightened diplomatic friction, with U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting the U.S. could “take Cuba” and framing the island as the next target for potential military action. Secretary Marco Rubio, leading U.S. negotiations, has called for economic and political reforms, including leadership changes, to ease sanctions. Díaz-Canel’s statements, however, suggest that any progress remains stalled. Díaz-Canel asserted that Cuba seeks dialogue with the U.S. but insisted that its political system is non-negotiable. He rejected calls for his resignation, stating, “I have no fear. I am willing to give my life for the revolution.” The Cuban leader also dismissed U.S. conditions for lifting sanctions, such as releasing political prisoners, holding multi-party elections, or recognizing free unions and a free press. “We have established that respect for our political system or constitutional order are issues that are not under negotiations with the United States,” he said. Díaz-Canel criticized U.S. interference, arguing that the Trump administration’s approach to Cuba is driven by prejudice and manipulation of narratives about democracy and human rights. The Cuban government has announced the release of 2,000 prisoners, but human rights groups report that no political prisoners have been freed.#donald_trump #marco_rubio #cuba #miguel_diaz_canel #justicia_11j
US ramps up fuel exports to Cuba's private sector U.S. suppliers have shipped approximately 30,000 barrels of fuel to Cuba's private sector this year, according to shipping data and documents reviewed by Reuters, indicating the Trump administration’s strategy to prioritize private businesses over state-run enterprises is gaining momentum. The shipments, which began in January, are part of a de facto oil blockade targeting Cuba’s government while allowing limited fuel access to its private sector. The U.S. has enforced restrictions on oil supplies to Cuba’s government since early 2026, following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the subsequent cutoff of Venezuelan oil exports to the island. However, the administration has permitted fuel imports to Cuba’s private sector, which includes small businesses and independent operators. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio framed the policy as part of a broader effort to “put the private sector and individual private Cubans—not affiliated with the government or military—in a privileged position.” The volume of fuel imported by the private sector since February—around 30,000 barrels, or approximately 1.27 million gallons—represents a fraction of Cuba’s total energy needs. The country previously required about 100,000 barrels per day to power its infrastructure, but the private sector’s imports have grown steadily, with shipping records showing weekly increases. The U.S. has also blocked Venezuelan oil supplies to Cuba’s government and threatened tariffs on other nations shipping fuel to the island. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel reported that the country had not received any fuel in three months, though he did not mention private sector supplies. Meanwhile, container ships carrying a variety of goods, including fuel, have been arriving in Cuba from the U.S.#us #marco_rubio #cuba #miguel_diaz_canel #mariel_port
