The United States has announced an additional $6 million in humanitarian aid for Cuba, bringing total assistance since Hurricane Melissa struck the island in October to $9 million. The new relief package will focus on Cuba’s eastern provinces, including Holguín, Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo, providing staples like rice, beans, pasta, canned tuna, and solar lamps. U.S. officials said embassy staff will monitor distribution to prevent the government from diverting supplies.

The announcement comes amid worsening energy and fuel shortages. Cuba has faced widespread blackouts, leaving millions without electricity in several provinces, while rising food prices and limited fuel supplies have intensified humanitarian pressures. Officials warn that without sufficient oil imports, hospitals, transport, and essential services could be severely affected. The crisis has escalated following U.S. restrictions on Cuba’s oil shipments and Venezuela’s inability to supply fuel, forcing Cuba to turn to Mexico as its primary energy partner.

Humanitarian situation

Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz‑Canel accused the U.S. of imposing an “energy blockade,” while Mexican officials work to deliver fuel without triggering U.S. tariffs. Díaz‑Canel expressed willingness to engage in dialogue but insisted talks must respect Cuba’s sovereignty. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced serious concern, warning that the humanitarian situation could deteriorate further if oil supplies remain restricted.

As Cuba struggles to balance disaster recovery with an ongoing energy crisis, the international community faces a delicate challenge: providing humanitarian support while navigating complex geopolitical tensions.

Crude oil prices jumped over 3% on Wednesday as U.S.-Iran nuclear talks showed signs of faltering, pushing WTI futures above $65 per barrel. Axios reported disagreements over the venue and scope of Friday’s talks, while President Trump warned Iran’s supreme leader to “be very worried,” stoking fears of military escalation.

Tensions in the Persian Gulf added to the volatility. A U.S. F-35C shot down an Iranian drone near the USS Abraham Lincoln, and Iranian vessels threatened a U.S.-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. The USS McFaul escorted the tanker to safety, highlighting the region’s fragile oil supply routes.

Despite the clashes, nuclear talks will go ahead on Friday in Oman, but uncertainty continues to drive oil market volatility, with traders closely watching both diplomatic and military developments.

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The Washington Post has laid off hundreds of employees, marking what former executive editor Martin Baron calls “one of the darkest days” in the paper’s history. Approximately one-third of the newsroom staff were affected, as the company undertakes a so-called “strategic reset” to compete in a crowded media landscape.

The cuts hit key areas, including the sports desk, local coverage, international reporting, the books desk, and the flagship daily news podcast. Editor-in-Chief Matt Murray said the changes aim to prioritise national security, politics, science, health, technology, climate, and business coverage while positioning the Post for the future.

Critics have called out owner Jeff Bezos for his silence during the layoffs and alleged efforts to influence the paper’s political stance. Former editor Baron warned that the newspaper’s ambitions would be sharply diminished and its credibility could suffer.

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