The Trump administration has imposed new sanctions on Cuba, intensifying the country's ongoing economic crisis, which is characterized by gasoline prices reaching $40 per gallon and widespread shortages of essential goods [1]. These sanctions specifically target countries and companies that conduct business with Cuba, particularly those supplying oil, thereby increasing pressure on Havana as it faces soaring fuel prices, shortages, and widespread power outages [1].
Cuban Ambassador to the United Nations, Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, publicly rejected any suggestion that the Cuban government would surrender or collapse under U.S. pressure. Guzmán emphasized Cuba's resilience and commitment to sovereignty and independence, stating, "If someone thinks that words like 'give up, surrender, or collapse' are in the Cuban dictionary, in the people's dictionary, that person, those peoples, are sorely mistaken" [1].
President Trump suggested that the U.S. could quickly "take over" Cuba after resolving the Iran conflict, referencing the possible deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier near Cuban shores. He implied that such a show of force would lead to Cuba's surrender, a notion strongly refuted by Ambassador Guzmán [1].
A United Nations official has warned that Cuba is "running out of time" as fuel shortages threaten critical services across the country [1]. Despite the escalating crisis and heightened tensions, Guzmán indicated that Havana remains open to negotiations with Washington, provided that any relationship is based on mutual respect and reciprocity. "We are ready to talk with the U.S. government and to have a different kind of relation[s]… beneficial for both parts," he said [1].
CONCLUSION
The latest U.S. sanctions have significantly worsened Cuba's economic crisis, with record-high gasoline prices and critical shortages. While the Cuban government rejects any notion of surrender, it remains open to negotiations with the U.S. under conditions of mutual respect. The situation poses high market and geopolitical risks as fuel shortages threaten essential services and diplomatic tensions escalate.