标签： Cuba

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez delivered a forceful condemnation of the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader during a solemn visit to the Iranian Embassy in Havana on Thursday. The First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba characterized the killing of Grand Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei as a “flagrant violation of all norms of international law and human dignity” resulting from what he termed “vile aggression” by the United States and Israel.

In a carefully orchestrated diplomatic gesture, Díaz-Canel signed the official Book of Condolences while expressing Cuba’s “deep sorrow and grief” over the incident. The Cuban leader memorialized Khamenei as “the outstanding statesman and leader of the Iranian people” who had played a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral relations between Havana and Tehran.

The president extended formal condolences on behalf of both the Cuban government and citizens, offering sympathy to the late leader’s family, associates, and compatriots. The ceremony at the diplomatic mission featured the presence of Iranian Ambassador Zabihollah Naderi, alongside Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla and Director General of Bilateral Affairs Carlos Miguel Pereira Hernández.

This embassy visit followed earlier statements Díaz-Canel made through social media platforms regarding the February 28th attacks against Iran. The Cuban leader had previously asserted that these actions not only breached international legal standards and the UN Charter but also derailed nuclear negotiation efforts while jeopardizing regional and global stability.

On March 4th, the president further amplified his criticism via social media, declaring that Cuba aligned with international appeals demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities against Iran and Lebanon. He specifically denounced what he described as “political assassinations and indiscriminate attacks” that have resulted in child casualties and escalated tensions throughout the Middle East.

Díaz-Canel emphasized Cuba’s diplomatic position advocating for respect toward national sovereignty and territorial integrity across the region. He called for an end to military actions that damage civilian infrastructure and cause human suffering in Arab Gulf states, nations with which Cuba maintains friendly cooperative relations. The Cuban leader reiterated the necessity of upholding principles of neighborly conduct, moderation, and peaceful dialogue during this critical juncture in international affairs.

The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a stern condemnation of military operations conducted by the United States and Israel against Iranian territory on February 28, 2026. In an official statement released from Havana, Cuban authorities characterized the attacks as a severe violation of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, asserting they represent a flagrant breach of both the United Nations Charter and established international legal standards.

According to the Cuban government, this calculated aggression marks the second instance where diplomatic progress on nuclear negotiations has been deliberately undermined by external military action. The statement emphasizes that these operations pose grave dangers to regional and international peace, with immediate destabilizing effects already manifesting across the Middle East.

Cuba has aligned itself with global appeals demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities, noting the attacks have resulted in unspecified civilian casualties, including children. The Caribbean nation warned against further escalation driven by hegemonic interests and military domination strategies that risk drawing additional regional actors into the conflict with unforeseeable consequences.

The statement advocates for upholding fundamental principles of international law, including sovereign equality of states, non-interference in internal affairs, and the prohibition of force against territorial integrity. Cuba specifically called for enhanced diplomatic neighborliness between Iran and Arab states during this critical juncture.

Cuba urged the United Nations Security Council to fulfill its primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, while simultaneously requesting the UN General Assembly to mobilize global efforts toward peace restoration with urgent determination. The statement concludes by reaffirming Cuba’s commitment to multilateral diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution.

In a significant address to Cuba’s Council of Ministers, President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has issued a compelling call for immediate implementation of transformative economic and social reforms. The Cuban leader emphasized that these changes represent the most urgent modifications needed for the country’s economic model, focusing particularly on enhancing municipal autonomy and business independence.

The comprehensive reform agenda encompasses multiple critical areas: business autonomy, municipal self-governance, restructuring of state apparatus, national food production with municipal balance sheets, energy matrix transformation including renewable sources and domestic crude oil utilization, export expansion through foreign direct investment flexibilities, economic partnerships between state and private sectors (especially at municipal level), and business engagement with Cubans residing abroad.

President Díaz-Canel stressed that these measures must collectively contribute to macroeconomic stabilization, increased foreign exchange earnings, and development of national production—with particular emphasis on food security. He noted that success largely depends on the performance of both the business system and municipal governments, urging them to fully utilize granted powers that many have yet to implement or even understand.

The municipal level emerges as the central focus of these reforms, with local governments expected to manage foreign direct investment, operate closed-loop foreign currency systems, facilitate state-private sector partnerships, design local production systems, and handle investments from overseas Cubans.

During the same session, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz presented the updated “Government’s Economic and Social Program for 2026″—previously known as the Government Program to Correct Distortions and Revitalize the Economy. The revised program maintains ten general objectives while modifying specific targets and increasing measurable indicators. The document, which underwent public consultation and expert review, is scheduled for publication this March and will be updated annually.

Economic Minister Joaquín Alonso Vázquez reported concerning economic indicators from January, with goods exports generally underperforming targets despite strong showings in honey, tobacco, lobster, rum, and biopharmaceuticals. Service exports in healthcare nearly reached 100% of targets, tourism achieved 85%, and telecommunications exceeded expectations. The minister acknowledged progress in 86 foreign currency self-financing schemes across various sectors while noting persistent challenges from the U.S. embargo.

Agricultural production continues to struggle despite intensive efforts, failing to meet population demands or compensate for planned food import deficits. January prices rose 0.67%, resulting in a 12.5% year-on-year inflation rate driven by excess liquidity and supply deficits.

The government reported that 178,666 families (303,298 beneficiaries) currently receive social assistance, including 63,788 mothers with three or more children in vulnerable situations. Social transformation initiatives are underway in 1,249 communities.

Significant progress was reported on municipal decentralization, with authority to approve non-state economic actors potentially transferring to municipalities in the first half of the year. Regulations for municipal-level approval of state-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises are also advancing.

Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy noted slow progress in municipal energy transition strategies, urging localities to develop sustainability plans using their own resources. Only nine municipalities have completed energy transition designs so far.

Finance Minister Vladimir Regueiro Ale reported successful implementation of the 2025 State Budget, with strong subsidy performance, tax collection, and positive current account balance. Local budgets showed surpluses overall, with five provinces achieving particularly strong results. Municipalities will receive portions of 2025 revenue surpluses for development projects, potentially providing over 9 billion pesos for local development in 2026 when combined with Territorial Contribution funds.

The Council also addressed accounts receivable and payable issues, evaluated territorial development strategies, reviewed employment survey results showing 77.9% of workers have intermediate technical or higher education, and discussed progress at the Mariel Special Development Zone despite challenging circumstances.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has issued a forceful condemnation following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, characterizing the act as a grave violation of international norms and human dignity. Through an official statement posted on his Facebook profile, the Cuban leader expressed profound condolences to the Iranian people, government, and President Dr. Massoud Pezeshkian, as well as to the family of the deceased leader.

President Díaz-Canel denounced the assassination as an ‘execrable act’ that represents ‘an unscrupulous violation of all norms of International Law and human dignity.’ The Cuban head of state emphasized the significant diplomatic legacy left by Ayatollah Khamenei, noting his crucial role in fostering bilateral relations between Havana and Tehran.

In his tribute, the Cuban president memorialized the Iranian leader as ‘an outstanding statesman and leader of his people’ who made substantial contributions to the development of friendly relations between Cuba and Iran. This statement comes at a sensitive moment in international diplomacy, highlighting the strategic partnership between the two nations that have historically maintained close ties despite geopolitical pressures.

The assassination represents a significant escalation in political violence targeting high-level international figures and is likely to have substantial implications for Middle Eastern geopolitics and international security protocols. Cuba’s strong stance underscores its consistent foreign policy position against external interference in sovereign nations’ affairs and its commitment to multilateral international law frameworks.

Cuban authorities have announced the interception and neutralization of a vessel allegedly violating its maritime territory, characterizing the incident as a destabilization attempt. According to an official statement, border guard troops successfully halted the incursion.

The event has reignited Havana’s fierce condemnation of the longstanding U.S. economic embargo, which it labels a ‘criminal’ energy blockade. Cuban officials described the sanctions as ‘an act of direct war to suffocate the Cuban people,’ employing heightened rhetoric that frames the policy as a form of warfare. The statement concluded with the emphatic declaration: ‘Cuba is not alone! Down with the blockade!’

Supporting organizations echoed this sentiment, with the Accreven group asserting ‘No infiltrations, no blockades! Cuba must be respected!’

The Cuban Ministry of the Interior provided specific details on February 25, reporting detection of an illegal speedboat within its territorial waters. The vessel, identified with Florida registration number FL7726SH, was located approximately one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel near Falcones Cay, in the province of Villa Clara.

In a diplomatic overture, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Fernandez de Cossio expressed Cuba’s willingness to collaborate with United States authorities to investigate the incident. Official channels have been activated with both the U.S. State Department and Coast Guard, with both American entities reportedly expressing readiness to cooperate in the investigation.

In an unprecedented political move, Spain’s Congress of Deputies has formally condemned former U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order intensifying economic restrictions against Cuba. The resolution marks the first official rejection by Spanish governmental institutions of U.S. policy toward the Caribbean nation.

The initiative, championed by United Left (IU) congressman Enrique Santiago and backed by the Sumar movement, received cross-party support from EH Bildu, ERC, Podemos, and Coalición Canaria. The proposal was ultimately adopted with amendments from the ruling Socialist Party (PSOE), though it faced strong opposition from conservative factions including the People’s Party (PP), Junts for Catalonia, and the far-right Vox party.

Santiago, who also serves as general secretary of the Communist Party of Spain (PCE), issued stark warnings during parliamentary debates, asserting that the strengthened U.S. sanctions could precipitate the ‘collapse’ of essential Cuban infrastructure within weeks. He specifically highlighted vulnerabilities in healthcare systems, power grids, and transportation networks.

The resolution urges the Spanish government to formally demand the cessation of what it characterizes as ‘coercive measures’ against Cuba in all international forums. Santiago expressed hope that this parliamentary action would inspire Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue a strong statement defending Cuba against what he termed ‘brutal aggression’ from the United States.

Beyond diplomatic channels, the measure calls for broader societal solidarity, encouraging both official institutions and civil society to facilitate the delivery of essential materials, goods, and energy products to address Cuba’s pressing needs. Santiago framed the initiative as a defense of fundamental principles of international law, including national sovereignty, non-interference, and the prohibition of force in international relations.

The legislator drew historical parallels, warning that the U.S. policies aim to reduce Cuba to colonial status similar to Puerto Rico’s relationship with the United States. The resolution represents a significant alignment of left-wing and democratic forces in Spain around a common foreign policy position challenging U.S. hemispheric influence.

The Cuban government has issued a powerful reaffirmation of its diplomatic allegiance to the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) through an official statement broadcast on social media platform X. This declaration reinforces Cuba’s commitment to strengthening what it describes as “historic ties of brotherhood, solidarity and cooperation” between the two nations.

The historical context of this relationship traces back to the Western Sahara conflict’s origin. On February 26, 1976, Spain formally withdrew from its former colony, followed by the Polisario Front’s proclamation of the SADR on February 27, 1976. The fledgling republic gained significant international recognition in November 1984 when most member states of the Organization for African Unity (now the African Union) established formal ties, with SADR maintaining full membership status in the continental organization ever since.

Cuba’s diplomatic engagement with the Sahrawi republic began in the 1980s, marked by the reciprocal establishment of embassies in each other’s territories. Beyond formal diplomatic channels, the relationship featured high-level political exchanges between leadership of Cuba’s Communist Party and representatives of the Polisario Front, illustrating the depth of their ideological and political alignment during that era.