Cuba experienced its third nationwide power blackout this year due to dwindling fuel reserves and a crumbling electric grid, exacerbated by US "energy blockade" sanctions. The crisis, intensified by US actions cutting off oil from Venezuela, has led to widespread power cuts and social unrest.
US President Donald Trump stated that the US army's blockade of Iran's seaports was more effective than bombing and that Washington is prepared to quickly reinstate such tactics if needed. He mentioned this at the White House, with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirming the military's readiness.
Three Iranian tankers, Diona, Hero II, and Sonia I, owned by the sanctioned National Iranian Tanker Company, have broadcast their locations as they crossed a US naval blockade in the Arabian Sea. This move signals Iran's confidence despite the US stating the blockade remains until a deal is signed.
Iranian oil tankers pass through US blockade after deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz, signaling return of Iranian oil to global markets
Several tankers carrying Iranian oil have reportedly crossed the US blockade line in the Strait of Hormuz, according to TankerTrackers. This comes two days before new talks between the US and Iran are set to begin on a framework agreement to end their war, which could see sanctions on oil sales lifted.
Iranian oil tankers have passed through a US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz for the first time in two months, following an announced peace deal between Iran and the US. At least two supertankers carrying 3.8 million barrels of crude oil exited the blockade line.
A viral video shows an Indian seafarer's body decomposing on a ship off Oman due to a US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, preventing evacuation. US strikes also disabled other Indian vessels, fueling anger and questions about India's response to American actions.
Asia reacts cautiously to a US-Iran peace deal mediated by Pakistan, awaiting the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and easing oil prices. The agreement aims to end Gulf war, lift US blockade, and secure vital oil chokepoint, but details remain unclear.
US President Donald Trump announced a "complete" deal with Iran, authorizing the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and removal of the US naval blockade. Iran stated an immediate end to war on various fronts. Pakistan's PM confirmed the peace deal, with a signing ceremony set for Friday in Switzerland.
Families of the 43 Ayotzinapa students, missing since 2014, denounced a new "criminalization" campaign after authorities blocked 17 buses carrying students to a protest in Mexico City. This led to the cancellation of a meeting with government representatives, as parents demand new investigations and the return of independent experts.
A US warplane disabled a tanker in the Gulf of Oman attempting to transport Iranian oil, resulting in three Indian crew members missing. India has lodged a strong protest with the US diplomat in New Delhi.
China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the US blockade and illegal sanctions against Cuba lack justification and cause immense suffering. China supports Cuba's sovereignty and opposes foreign interference, urging the US to end its blockade.
Iran's Parliament Speaker claims US naval blockade and Israeli military actions in Lebanon violate ceasefire terms. Tehran demands the blockade's end, distrusts verbal guarantees, and eyes a tentative deal for ceasefire extension and nuclear talks amid new US sanctions.
Donald Trump advised against rushing a deal with Iran, calling current negotiations the "exact opposite" of the "worst deal" JCPOA. He spoke with Middle Eastern leaders and Israel's Netanyahu, who emphasized dismantling Iran's nuclear sites. Disagreements persist over deal clauses.
President Trump stated he has instructed diplomats not to rush a deal with Iran, describing current negotiations as the "exact opposite" of the "worst" 2015 Iran nuclear deal. He also discussed the Strait of Hormuz with Israeli PM Netanyahu, who emphasized dismantling Iran's nuclear sites.
The US blockade is forcing Iran to store oil and petrochemical products on old tankers in the Persian Gulf, with 39 vessels now stranded. This indicates the blockade's effectiveness in cutting off Iran's oil revenue.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated Russia is in constant contact with Cuba, exchanging ideas on how to alleviate the burden caused by US blockade measures. The situation in Cuba has worsened since January 2026 due to US actions aimed at blocking fuel supplies, leading to power outages and fuel shortages.
Vietnam's state oil company urges the US to let a supertanker pass through an American naval blockade outside the Persian Gulf, saying the shipment is critical to the Asian country's economy.
Iran expands Strait of Hormuz control zone to 200-300 miles amid US naval blockade, citing new strategic concept.
An oil spill near Iran's Kharg Island, the country's primary oil export hub, has raised concerns amid a US naval blockade. Satellite images show a significant oil slick, potentially amounting to 3,000 barrels lost. This incident occurs as Iran faces a storage crisis due to the blockade, with capacity nearing its limit.
Operation Epic Fury has failed to achieve Trump’s war aims but is accelerating a global shift away from fossil fuels. The US-Iran standoff over Hormuz has triggered emergency measures in nearly 40 countries, from Laos shortening school weeks to Nepal limiting cooking gas. However, the crisis is hastening clean energy adoption: EV demand in Europe surged 51% year-over-year, while countries like South Korea, Vietnam, and India are accelerating renewable energy plans. The article draws parallels to post-1970s oil shocks that drove fuel efficiency standards, suggesting current dynamics may force governments to build solar, wind, and nuclear capacity as a long-term energy security strategy.
An India-linked supertanker, Sarv Shakti, has crossed the Strait of Hormuz carrying 45,000 tons of LPG. This transit represents a strategic effort by India to maintain energy security amidst ongoing regional conflict and supply chain disruptions.
Cuba's four-month-old energy crisis has escalated into a humanitarian emergency, with hospitals scaling back operations, tens of thousands of surgeries postponed, and patients dependent on electricity for life-saving treatment at risk. The UN has expanded its Hurricane Melissa response plan to address cascading impacts, but fuel shortages remain the critical bottleneck preventing aid delivery to affected communities.
