U.S.–Cuba–Venezuela Relations

Cuba suffered its third island‑wide blackout in four months on March 16, when the Ministry of Energy and Mines reported a "complete disconnection" of the national grid that left the roughly 11 million‑person island without power, forced the postponement of tens of thousands of surgeries and prompted investigations as crews restored limited service to hospitals and parts of Havana. Cuban officials blamed halted Venezuelan oil shipments and U.S. restrictions, opened talks with Washington and floated concessions such as allowing investment by Cubans abroad, while President Trump and Senator Marco Rubio escalated pressure for political change — with Trump publicly suggesting a "friendly takeover" and U.S. officials reportedly seeking President Miguel Díaz‑Canel’s departure as part of negotiations.