Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel once again spotlighted the United States embargo in his public speech, describing it as an “energy stranglehold.” However, he avoided addressing the so-called "friendly takeover" of Cuba alluded to by U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday.
In a message broadcast on X, Díaz-Canel, speaking “on behalf of Cuba,” expressed gratitude towards Brazilian intellectuals who condemned what he labeled as a “genocidal attempt” by the U.S. to "complete the strangling cycle of the blockade with energy asphyxiation." He referenced a statement from the Network in Defense of Humanity – Brazil.
The Brazilian statement argues that U.S. sanctions are “outdated and inhumane,” particularly affecting vulnerable sectors and have been denounced annually by the UN General Assembly since 1992.
Furthermore, the document claims these measures were originally imposed in 1960 with the aim of overthrowing Fidel Castro's government and were notably intensified during Trump’s first term.
According to the statement cited by Díaz-Canel, between 2017 and 2020, Trump allegedly enacted 243 measures that impacted areas such as medical cooperation, remittances, and tourism.
The document also notes that on January 29, 2026, the Trump administration issued a presidential decree labeling Cuba as an “extraordinary and unusual threat” to U.S. security, imposing tariffs on any nation supplying oil to the island.
In this context, the text argues that Cuba is not experiencing a “crisis,” but rather is a “victim of economic crime” and urges the international community to reject the “economic and energy stranglehold” while providing urgent support in what it describes as a situation of “extreme gravity.”
Díaz-Canel's reiteration of his stance on the Cuban embargo coincides with the same day Trump announced his administration's intention to initiate a “friendly and controlled takeover” of the island.
Trump used the term “friendly and controlled takeover” to outline his administration's approach to Cuba, although specific details of the initiative have not been made public.
Additionally, Trump mentioned that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is “holding high-level talks with the regime.”
Understanding the US-Cuba Relations and Embargo
What is the impact of the US embargo on Cuba?
The US embargo on Cuba has significant economic consequences, particularly affecting sectors like health, remittances, and tourism, and has been a point of international criticism for decades.
How has Trump’s administration influenced US-Cuba relations?
Trump's administration intensified sanctions against Cuba, imposing 243 measures that impacted various sectors and labeling Cuba as a security threat to the US, further straining relations.