Faced with President Trump’s blackmail – either submit to a draconian agreement with the U.S. or face energy starvation – “Cuba has limited options,” says Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío. In essence, it must seek a dialogue with the U.S. based on “respect for sovereignty and without interference,” and proceed “with a reorganization of the country that will take a lot of work.” 

This strategy was confirmed on Thursday at a press conference by President Miguel Díaz-Canel, who reiterated: “We are open to dialogue with the U.S., but there will be neither a collapse of the Cuban socialist system nor a surrender.” 

It’s highly unlikely that the Washington tycoon will accept such a position. By declaring that Cuba represents “an extraordinary threat” to the national security of the United States, “The Donald” has already outlined his strategy (which is that of his Cuban-American hawks): regime change in Cuba. This could happen in a “soft” version – as Trump claims is occurring in Venezuela, with interim President Delcy Rodríguez reportedly willing to collaborate extensively with the U.S. and, most importantly, to entrust the management of Venezuelan crude (and likely precious metals and rare earths) directly to the U.S. President himself. Or it could happen by strangling off Cuba’s supply of energy, ensuring that “not even a drop of oil” reaches the island.

The tycoon naturally claims this is a battle to restore “freedom” to the Cuban people. In reality – as Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio know well – crude oil is necessary to run Cuba’s power grid, water pumps, public transport, hospitals and schools. And the vast majority of the oil (about 60% of national needs) must be imported.

By preventing the arrival of crude oil in Cuba, Trump is aware that he is not merely implementing one extra sanction – on top of the more than 200 already passed during his first presidency – but shutting down the life processes of a nation. A nation which, as the Cuban........

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