blockade threatens ‘humanitarian collapse’ in Cuba – UN chief – Worldwide Dispatch

UN Secretary Normal Antonio Guterres has warned that the US-imposed power blockade may trigger a humanitarian collapse in Cuba.

Cuban authorities have been making ready to roll out rationing plans to handle worsening gasoline shortages after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on items from international locations transport oil to the island. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel mentioned the blockade has prompted blackouts and disrupted faculties, hospitals, and public transportation.

At a briefing on Thursday, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric mentioned Guterres was “extraordinarily involved in regards to the humanitarian state of affairs in Cuba, which is able to worsen, if not collapse, if its oil wants go unmet.”

In line with Dujarric, Guterres famous that the UN Normal Meeting “has constantly referred to as for an finish to the embargo imposed by the USA on Cuba.”

The US has maintained a commerce embargo towards Cuba since 1960. In December 2025, the US Navy and Coast Guard started seizing tankers within the Caribbean for allegedly violating sanctions. Trump accused Cuba of supporting terrorist teams and described Havana’s ties with Russia, China, and Iran as a risk to US nationwide safety.

On Thursday, the US introduced it will ship an extra $6 million in support to Cuba, largely for the island’s jap areas hit final 12 months by Hurricane Melissa. Jeremy Lewin, a senior State Division official chargeable for humanitarian help, accused the Cuban authorities of hoarding assets and denied that meals shortages had been linked to the ban on oil shipments.

In an handle on Thursday, Diaz-Canel rejected claims that Cuba supported terrorism or posed a risk to the US. He mentioned the federal government was prepared for dialogue with Washington, however solely on the idea of equality and respect for Cuba’s sovereignty.

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