- Title: Cubans reject war, call for dialogue as Trump threats loom
- Date: 17th March 2026
- Summary: HAVANA, CUBA (MARCH 17, 2026) (REUTERS) TRAFFIC ON AVENUE/SIGN ON BUILDING SIGN ON THE FACADE OF A BUILDING READING (Spanish): “MOTHERLAND OR DEATH, WE SHALL PREVAIL.” CAR DRIVING DOWN THE STREET (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) HAVANA RESIDENT, LUIS ENRIQUE GARCÍA, SAYING: “Trump is a person who doesn’t even listen to those who follow him. He simply makes decisions that, in my opi
- Embargoed:
- Keywords: Cuba Havana Trump US blockade politics sanctions threats
- Location: HAVANA, CUBA
- City: HAVANA, CUBA
- Country: Cuba
- Topics: South America / Central America,Government/Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA001493217032026RP1
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Cubans in Havana expressed serious concern about the escalation of tension involving the island on Tuesday (March 17), a day after U.S. President Donald Trump said he expected to have the honor of "taking Cuba" and that "I can do anything I want" with the Communist-run island republic.
Trump has stepped up economic pressure on Cuba, imposing an oil blockade that has crippled its already obsolete power generation system.
The New York Times reported that removing Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel from office was a key U.S. objective. Citing four people familiar with the talks, the Times said the Americans have signaled to Cuban negotiators that Diaz-Canel must go but are leaving the next steps up to the Cubans.
Luis Enrique Garcia, a Havana resident, voiced fears of a potential war and underscored the importance of dialogue. "I urge this country to analyze the way in which Delcy Rodriguez, the (acting) president of Venezuela, opted for dialogue."
Another resident, Marianela Alvarez, called for peace and criticized foreign interference in Cuba's affairs. "I just don’t want there to be a war. I want Trump to understand, to leave us alone, and I want our government to focus more on us," Alvarez said.
While some Cubans hold out hope for negotiations leading to stability, others remain skeptical. "I really don't trust a dialogue with Trump," said Amed Echenique, reflecting widespread mistrust of U.S. intentions.
On Tuesday, Trump continued ramping up his rethoric saying Cuba was in a bad shape and that the country was speaking with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
In comments to reporters in the Oval Office, he added Washington would be doing "something with Cuba" very soon.
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