On Cuba after Iran, VP Vance says discussions are ongoing

Washington - United States Vice President J.D. Vance said handling the Cuba issue, after the conflict with Iran is resolved through an agreement, falls under the authority of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “You’ll have to ask Marco Rubio about Cuba. We want the Cuban people to be happy and successful. We are actually in discussions with the Cuban government right now about how they can change their ways to make that happen,” Vance said during a press conference on Thursday (18/6). President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that Cuba would be “next” after the Iran issue is settled, without providing further details. Previously, in January, the US imposed tariffs on imports from countries supplying oil to Cuba and declared a state of emergency over alleged threats from Cuba to US national security. Cuba stated the United States is using its energy embargo to strangle the island’s economy and worsen living conditions for its citizens. The measures have exacerbated fuel shortages on the island and impacted power plants, transportation, food production, health services, and education. Cuba called the accusations a political provocation and stressed it acted in self-defence following repeated violations of its airspace by aircraft belonging to the group.