Havana:Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez has accused the United States of exacerbating the economic and social crisis on the island by intensifying its economic pressure on Havana. He highlighted the tightening of the U.S. blockade, energy siege, and secondary sanctions, all of which he claims are causing significant harm to Cuban families.

According to Anadolu Agency, Rodriguez criticized recent U.S. actions that restrict people-to-people exchanges and limit academic and research activities. These measures also impose stricter limitations on private Cuban entities doing business with American companies and banks, banning U-turn transactions and indirect operations with entities on the U.S. State Department's Cuba Restricted List.

He argued that these measures are designed to disrupt Cuba's economic reforms, impacting both public and private sectors. Rodriguez's comments followed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's remarks labeling Cuba as a "failed state" with no functional economy or government. Rubio cited the significant migration from Cuba, with nearly 20% of the population leaving since 2021, as evidence of the country's dire economic situation.

Rodriguez also noted that U.S. "pressures and threats" against international shipping companies have prevented humanitarian aid from reaching Cuba, with over 7,000 containers blocked. Despite these challenges, he expressed gratitude to UN agencies for their efforts to deliver humanitarian supplies.

Cuba is currently grappling with severe shortages of basic goods and fuel, along with frequent power outages. The United Nations has expressed concerns about the energy crisis's impact on health services. Meanwhile, the U.S. has defended its stance, with the Trump administration advocating for political and economic reforms in Cuba.