লাতিন আমেরিকা ও পশ্চিম এশিয়াকে কেন্দ্র করে যুক্তরাষ্ট্রের সাম্প্রতিক পররাষ্ট্রনীতি কিউবাকে আবারও আন্তর্জাতিকThe attention of the international community has been drawn to Cuba once again due to the United States’ recent foreign policy, which has focused on Latin America and West Asia. The US President, Donald Trump, has indicated that Cuba could be Washington’s next major target, following actions such as alleged threats to kidnap Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, continued threats to seize Greenland, and aggression against Iran. This information was reported by Al Jazeera and ABC.

Cuba, located less than 150 kilometers from Florida by sea, has been subjected to regular threats and intimidation from Trump and his allies for months regarding a change in its governing system.

Trump made his most recent comments on this matter last Thursday at the White House, during an event hosting the US football club Inter Miami. At the time, Trump thanked his Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, for his “extraordinary work” concerning Cuba. The Trump administration has already intensified sanctions on Cuba to further pressure its weak economy.

Trump stated, “What is happening in Cuba is wonderful. We think, first, we finish this (Iran). After that, it will be a matter of time.” The US President added, “I wanted to wait a few weeks, but I think we will soon celebrate what is happening in Cuba.” He then commented to Secretary of State Rubio that his next focus would be on the Caribbean nation.

In an interview with the US news outlet Politico, Trump had also stated that the communist Cuban government was on the verge of collapse. Previously, Trump had also hinted that the communist government of Cuba could be overthrown, stating that his administration was working to dismantle the political system established after the 1959 revolution. This change is part of a larger US strategy to pressure countries considered adversaries through sanctions, economic pressure, and support for internal political changes.

Cuba in Deep Crisis:

Cuba has been facing electricity and energy crises for years. The country’s energy crisis deepened after US forces allegedly attacked Venezuela and attempted to kidnap Maduro. Following that alleged military operation, Trump ordered an end to oil exports from Venezuela to Cuba. Furthermore, he threatened to impose tariffs on any country selling oil to the Caribbean nation.

In his interview with Politico, Trump said, “We have shut off oil, money, or everything coming from Venezuela, which was the only source of sustenance for that government. Now they want to make a deal.” He added, “They need help. We are talking to them about this.”

In late February, the US Treasury Department announced that it would allow private companies seeking licenses to resell Venezuelan oil to Cuban companies, but with the condition that they support the Cuban people. It was also announced at the time that oil sales that financially benefit the Cuban military or other government institutions would not be permitted.