Rubio, traveling with President Donald Trump during a visit to China, said Cuba’s deepening economic turmoil stemmed from structural failures and corruption rather than US sanctions, which Havana has long blamed for shortages and financial distress.“It’s a broken, nonfunctional economy, and it’s impossible to change it,” Rubio told Fox News aboard Air Force One.

“I don’t think we’re going to be able to change the trajectory of Cuba as long as these people are in charge in that regime.”Cuba has been grappling with severe economic disruption and energy shortages, with authorities reporting that around 65% of the island experienced electricity blackouts on Tuesday.

The US State Department publicly renewed the $100 million assistance proposal, saying the package would include humanitarian support and funding aimed at expanding “fast and free” Internet access across the island.

“The regime refuses to allow the United States to provide this assistance to the Cuban people,” the department said in a statement, adding that Cuban authorities would be accountable if they rejected “critical life-saving aid.”Washington last week imposed new sanctions targeting key entities within Cuba’s state-controlled economy and foreign partners linked to the sector.

Trump has recently intensified pressure on leftist governments in Latin America and has suggested Cuba could become a future target of broader US strategic efforts after the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro earlier this year.

Cuban authorities rejected Rubio’s characterization of the crisis and blamed US restrictions for worsening fuel shortages and economic instability.President Miguel Díaz-Canel said the worsening conditions were caused by what he described as a US “energy blockade,” accusing Washington of threatening countries supplying fuel to Cuba with punitive tariffs.

Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla dismissed Rubio’s claims that Havana had rejected the aid proposal, calling the assertion “a lie” and questioning whether the offer was intended to undermine Cuban sovereignty.

Cuba has witnessed a series of small but increasingly visible protests in recent months as residents face prolonged blackouts, fuel shortages and rising economic hardship.

Witnesses told AFP that demonstrators in parts of Havana banged pots and pans and demanded electricity be restored following new power outages.Cuba’s fuel imports have sharply declined since the United States moved earlier this year against Venezuela’s leadership, reducing energy support from Caracas.

Since then, only one Russian oil tanker has reportedly reached the island.The Trump administration previously provided $6 million in humanitarian aid to Cuba through Catholic Church-linked charities, which have historically acted as intermediaries between Washington and Havana.

The U.S. Treasury Department said Iraqi Deputy Oil Minister Ali Maarij Al-Bahadly used his government position to help divert oil revenues to the Iranian government and affiliated militias.In a statement, the Treasury alleged Al-Bahadly facilitated the sale of oil “for the benefit of the Iranian regime and its proxy militias in Iraq.”

Iraq’s oil ministry and Al-Bahadly did not immediately respond to requests for comment.The sanctions were announced as Washington and Iran moved closer to a temporary arrangement aimed at halting ongoing hostilities, although key disputes between the two sides remain unresolved.

The Treasury Department also imposed sanctions on three senior leaders linked to the Iran-backed militias Kata’ib Sayyid Al-Shuhada and Asa’ib Ahl Al-Haq, groups Washington has previously accused of threatening U.S. interests and regional stability.

“Treasury will not stand idly by as Iran’s military exploits Iraqi oil to fund terrorism against the United States and our partners,” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement.Under U.S. sanctions rules, any assets held in the United States by the designated individuals are frozen, while U.S. citizens and entities are generally prohibited from conducting transactions with them.

The move follows comments in March by Iraqi Oil Minister Hayan Abdel-Ghani, who said Iranian oil tankers intercepted by U.S. forces in the Gulf had been operating with forged Iraqi documentation. Tehran denied those allegations.

The sanctions underscore Washington’s continuing efforts to curb Iran’s regional financial networks while maintaining parallel diplomatic contacts over de-escalation efforts in the wider Middle East conflict.

The Treasury Department said Iraqi Deputy Oil Minister Ali Maarij Al-Bahadly abused his official position to enable the sale of oil for the benefit of the Iranian government and affiliated militias in Iraq.In a statement, Treasury accused Al-Bahadly of helping divert Iraqi oil revenues to support “the Iranian regime and its proxy militias in Iraq.” Iraq’s oil ministry and the deputy minister did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The sanctions were announced as Washington and Iran moved closer to a temporary arrangement aimed at halting hostilities, with Tehran reviewing a proposal that could pause the conflict while leaving major disputes unresolved.The U.S. Treasury also imposed sanctions on three senior figures associated with the Iran-backed militias Kata’ib Sayyid Al-Shuhada and Asa’ib Ahl Al-Haq.

“Treasury will not stand idly by as Iran’s military exploits Iraqi oil to fund terrorism against the United States and our partners,” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement.The sanctions freeze any assets held in the United States by those designated and generally prohibit U.S. individuals and companies from conducting business with them.

The measures follow remarks made in March by Iraqi Oil Minister Hayan Abdel-Ghani, who said Iranian oil tankers intercepted by U.S. forces in the Gulf had been using forged Iraqi documents. Tehran denied the allegation.

The latest sanctions highlight Washington’s continued efforts to disrupt Iran’s regional financial and logistical networks while simultaneously pursuing diplomatic contacts aimed at containing wider conflict across the Middle East.

A recent escalation in US policy toward Cuba is disrupting longstanding international medical programmes, with potential consequences for healthcare systems across Latin America and the Caribbean.

The measures, which target the deployment of Cuban doctors abroad, are part of broader economic and diplomatic pressure on Havana, a country that has been under US sanctions for decades.Cuba’s overseas medical missions have historically been a central component of its international engagement and a significant source of revenue.

Since the 1959 revolution, the Cuban government has deployed medical professionals to countries facing shortages, initially responding to crises such as the 1960 earthquake in Chile. Over time, these efforts evolved into formal bilateral agreements, with Cuban doctors providing services in underserved regions across Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond.

According to Tiago Rogero, South America correspondent for The Guardian, these programmes have become increasingly constrained due to US pressure on host countries. Washington has argued that the arrangements amount to exploitative labour practices, citing the Cuban state’s retention of a portion of doctors’ earnings.

While some testimonies from medical personnel have supported claims of exploitation, Rogero noted that this does not represent the majority view among those involved. Analysts cited in his reporting suggest that financial considerations specifically limiting revenue flows to the Cuban government—are a central factor behind the policy.

The withdrawal of Cuban medical personnel is already affecting healthcare provision in several countries. A number of governments have ended their agreements with Cuba, in some cases under pressure linked to US sanctions mechanisms such as financial restrictions and visa policies. These measures have reduced the availability of healthcare workers in regions that were already facing shortages.

Cuban doctors have played a significant role in filling gaps in national health systems, particularly in remote or low-income areas where local capacity is limited. In countries such as Brazil, they have been deployed to underserved communities, often in roles that domestic practitioners were unwilling or unable to fill.

Their presence has been part of a broader strategy sometimes referred to as “medical diplomacy,” through which Cuba has combined healthcare assistance with international cooperation.Beyond their immediate service delivery, Cuban medical programmes have also included training initiatives for foreign students in Cuban institutions.

This has contributed to building healthcare capacity in partner countries, although such efforts typically require long-term investment before yielding results.The current policy shift is raising concerns among healthcare professionals and development experts about the absence of alternative arrangements.

Rogero reported that non-governmental organisations and local practitioners anticipate a worsening of healthcare access in affected regions. “Most of these countries do not have enough doctors of their own,” he said, adding that the termination of Cuban programmes is not being matched by new support mechanisms.

The policy comes in the context of a broader reduction in US development assistance. The dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which previously funded health and development programmes in Latin America, has further limited available resources.

Observers note that this combination reduced aid and restrictions on third-party assistance—may intensify existing vulnerabilities in public health systems.The geopolitical dimension of the policy is also evident. US sanctions have long been used as a tool of foreign policy toward Cuba, and recent measures, including tighter fuel restrictions, indicate an expansion of pressure.

While the stated rationale focuses on labour conditions within the medical missions, analysts suggest the policy aligns with broader efforts to constrain the Cuban state economically.For recipient countries, the immediate concern remains service continuity. Healthcare systems in parts of Latin America and the Caribbean rely heavily on external support to address shortages in personnel and infrastructure.

The removal of Cuban doctors is expected to disproportionately affect rural and low-income populations, where access to medical care is already limited.Rogero emphasised that the impact will be most acute among vulnerable groups. “How will they cope now without the few doctors they had?” he said, pointing to the lack of contingency planning. In many cases, Cuban medical teams represented the primary or sole source of healthcare provision in certain communities.

The situation underscores the interconnected nature of global health systems and the role of international cooperation in addressing disparities. As policy decisions reshape these arrangements, the consequences are likely to be felt most strongly at the local level, where healthcare access depends on sustained and coordinated support.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration had cautioned governments and banks that continued transactions involving Iranian oil could trigger punitive measures. “If you are buying Iranian oil, that if Iranian money is sitting in your banks, we are now willing to apply secondary sanctions,” he told reporters at the White House.

The warning comes as the U.S. enforces a naval blockade on Iran that began earlier this week, with officials saying they expect the move to curb purchases by key buyers, particularly China, which has accounted for the majority of Iran’s seaborne oil exports.

Bessent said the Treasury had contacted two Chinese banks, warning that they could face sanctions if evidence shows Iranian funds moving through their systems. China’s embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Separately, the U.S. Treasury announced sanctions targeting Iran’s oil transportation network, including more than two dozen individuals, companies and vessels, as part of a broader effort to disrupt the country’s energy exports.

The measures follow the administration’s decision not to renew a 30-day sanctions waiver issued on March 20 that had allowed Iranian oil shipments already at sea to reach global markets.

The waiver, which Bessent said facilitated the delivery of about 140 million barrels, is set to expire on April 19.Washington has also allowed a similar waiver covering Russian oil shipments to lapse, reinforcing its broader sanctions enforcement strategy.

U.S. officials said letters had been sent to jurisdictions including China, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, identifying financial institutions allegedly linked to Iranian transactions and warning of potential enforcement actions.

The steps are part of what the administration has described as a “maximum pressure” campaign aimed at curbing Iran’s oil revenues and limiting its ability to finance regional activities.

The move, reflected in an update by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, effectively removes restrictions that had limited Rodríguez’s ability to engage with U.S. companies and investors, and underscores Washington’s recognition of her as a legitimate governing authority.

Rodríguez said the decision could open a path toward improved bilateral relations. In a statement posted on her Telegram channel, she described the move as a step toward “normalizing and strengthening relations” and expressed hope that broader sanctions on Venezuela would eventually be lifted to enable deeper cooperation.

The policy change follows the Jan. 3 capture of Maduro and his wife in Caracas by U.S. forces. Both were transferred to New York to face drug trafficking charges and have pleaded not guilty.

Their detention prompted a political transition in which Venezuela’s ruling-party-aligned Supreme Court declared Maduro’s absence temporary and installed Rodríguez as acting president.

Rodríguez, who had previously been sanctioned by Washington during Donald Trump’s first administration, was among senior Venezuelan officials targeted in 2018 for their alleged role in undermining democratic processes after a widely disputed election. Her brother, Jorge Rodríguez, and other members of Maduro’s inner circle were also designated at the time.

Despite those earlier measures, the current administration has opted to engage directly with Rodríguez following Maduro’s removal. U.S. officials have backed her role in implementing a phased plan to stabilize the country’s political and economic system, including outreach to foreign investors and commitments to increased transparency and international arbitration.

The administration has also taken broader steps to ease restrictions on Venezuela’s economy. In March, the Treasury authorized state oil company Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. to resume direct sales to U.S. buyers and access global markets, reversing years of tight sanctions on the country’s energy sector.

In parallel, U.S. authorities have formally recognized Rodríguez as the sole head of state in an ongoing civil case in federal court, further consolidating her standing in Washington’s policy framework.Maduro, however, remains Venezuela’s legal president under the country’s institutional structure.

The Supreme Court’s ruling allows Rodríguez to govern for an initial 90-day period, which is set to expire Friday, with a possible extension to six months subject to approval by the National Assembly, which is controlled by the ruling party and led by her brother.

The developments highlight an evolving U.S. approach toward Venezuela, balancing legal proceedings against Maduro with pragmatic engagement aimed at restoring economic activity and political stability in the oil-rich nation.

The vessel, the Anatoly Kolodkin, operating under U.S. sanctions, is the first Russian oil delivery to Cuba since January. Its arrival follows a decision by Donald Trump to permit the cargo on humanitarian grounds, avoiding a potential standoff with Moscow while easing acute shortages that have led to blackouts and fuel rationing.

Residents expressed cautious optimism as the tanker approached the Supertanker Base in Matanzas, a key energy hub east of Havana. Many said the shipment would provide temporary respite but fall short of addressing systemic shortages.

Cuba has faced repeated nationwide blackouts since 2024, alongside persistent scarcities of fuel, food and medicine. The latest delivery is expected to be processed over several weeks before refined products enter circulation.

Energy expert Jorge Pinon of the University of Texas at Austin estimated the crude could yield around 250,000 barrels of diesel, enough to meet demand for roughly 12 days, underscoring the limited scale of the relief. Fome Cubans welcomed the shipment as urgently needed support.

Others described it as insufficient given the depth of the crisis, calling it a symbolic gesture with minimal economic impact.The government is expected to prioritize allocation between electricity generation and transportation, both critical sectors strained by fuel shortages.

Analysts say the oil is unlikely to be used in Cuba’s aging thermoelectric plants, which rely primarily on domestically produced crude.Russia signaled its continued backing for Havana, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating Moscow viewed assistance to Cuba as a responsibility.

He added that Russia and the United States had been in contact regarding the shipment.Washington maintained that its broader sanctions policy remains unchanged.

The White House described the waiver as a case-by-case humanitarian decision, even as Trump reiterated criticism of Cuba’s leadership and downplayed the shipment’s long-term impact.Cuba’s energy outlook has worsened since the disruption of supplies from Venezuela earlier this year, intensifying reliance on external partners.

Efforts to secure alternative shipments, including discussions involving Mexico, have yet to yield sustained flows sufficient to stabilize the grid.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said Washington would not oppose a shipment from Russia or other countries if intended to alleviate shortages. “If a country wants to send some oil into Cuba right now, I have no problem whether it’s Russia or not,” he said.

Shipping data cited in reports shows a tanker carrying roughly 730,000 barrels of oil nearing Cuba’s eastern coast, with an expected arrival in Matanzas. The vessel is expected to deliver fuel that could yield about 180,000 barrels of diesel, enough to meet the country’s demand for more than a week.

The tanker, identified as the Anatoly Kolodkin, is under sanctions imposed by the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom following the war in Ukraine.

Trump’s remarks come despite his administration’s intensified efforts to restrict oil flows to Cuba in a bid to pressure its government. He has previously threatened punitive tariffs on third countries supplying oil to the island.

The blockade has contributed to widespread fuel shortages, with reports of prolonged blackouts and disruptions to public transport and healthcare services across Cuba.Cuba has long been a focal point of strategic competition between the United States and Russia.

Trump dismissed suggestions that allowing the shipment would benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying the delivery would have limited impact beyond addressing immediate needs.

He said he would prefer allowing fuel deliveries to ease hardship for civilians, citing the need for electricity, heating and cooling as essential services.

The targeted organization, Addameer, a Ramallah-based legal NGO founded in 1991, is widely known for providing legal representation to Palestinian political prisoners and detainees held in Israeli custody. According to U.S. authorities, Addameer maintains “long-standing affiliation” with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a secular Marxist faction classified as a terrorist group by both the U.S. and Israel.

While Addameer did not issue an immediate response, the move has triggered renewed debate over the politicization of humanitarian work in conflict zones. The U.S. accuses the organization of supporting the military wings of Palestinian groups, including Hamas, under the veil of aid and advocacy.

A History of Tensions

Addameer has long been a point of contention between Israel and international human rights organizations. In 2022, Israeli forces raided its offices, claiming the NGO funneled funds to terror networks. The United Nations strongly criticized the raid, stating that Israel failed to provide “credible evidence” and emphasized that Addameer was engaged in “critical humanitarian, legal, and development work in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.”

The NGO collaborates with major rights watchdogs including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and is a member of the World Organization Against Torture. Despite these affiliations, the Israeli government maintains that the group exploits its legal platform to support extremist agendas.

Advocacy and Accusations

The recent sanctions follow a formal request submitted in February by the Zachor Legal Institute, an Israeli-American group that claims to combat antisemitism and terrorism. The letter, signed by 44 additional organizations, urged the U.S. Treasury to act against Addameer. Zachor’s president, Marc Greendorfer, welcomed the decision, stating: “We are very pleased to see the Treasury following up on our request… Foreign actors spreading hate and violence must be stopped.”

The Treasury’s action reportedly relied in part on undisclosed intelligence provided by the Israeli Security Agency. Critics argue that such evidence remains unverifiable and shrouded in secrecy, casting doubt on the transparency of the designation process.

Human Rights in the Crossfire

Addameer’s work has drawn international attention for its legal defense of Palestinian detainees, including Salah Hammouri, a French-Palestinian human rights lawyer who was arrested by Israel in 2022. That incident was referenced in the U.S. State Department’s human rights report under a section titled “Retaliation Against Human Rights Defenders.”

As the conflict in Gaza intensifies and humanitarian needs escalate, the Treasury’s crackdown is likely to fuel further criticism from civil society groups who argue that legitimate humanitarian aid risks being criminalized.

With geopolitical tensions at a boiling point and humanitarian efforts under increasing scrutiny, the latest U.S. sanctions underscore the fragile intersection between aid, activism, and national security policy in one of the world’s most volatile regions.