For Trump, it’s about oil. He’s stated this repeatedly… But for Marco Rubio … he sees this change as a step towards his lifelong dream of promoting regime change in Cuba.
Trump enacts a “blockade” on sanctioned Venezuelan oil, likely impacting Cuba’s economy too; Congress repeals a landmark Syria sanctions bill as sanctions weigh on Iran and Russia.
Trump extends the Syria sanctions waiver as measures on Russia and Cuba bite. The President also signals openness to talks on Iran sanctions, while escalating threats against Venezuela with new designations.
The Trump administration imposes its first Russia sanctions while snapback measures on Iran begin to bite. For the 33rd time, the UN GA overwhelmingly votes to condemn and call for end of US embargo on Cuba.
The US sanctions Brazilian health officials for hosting Cuban medical missions while it urges UN to lift sanctions on Syrian president. Europeans warn of snapback sanctions on Iran.
Trump signals plans to cut Cuba’s remaining economic lifelines and threatens sanctions on Russia. Lancet Global Health study finds sanctions are as deadly as war.
Los Angeles Times: Broad economic sanctions, most of which are imposed by the US government, kill hundreds of thousands of innocent people each year — disproportionately children.
This study, published in The Lancet Global Health, estimates that unilateral sanctions were associated with an annual toll of 564,258 deaths, similar to the global mortality burden associated with armed conflict.
US-Israeli strikes on Iran derail negotiations while more action is needed to fully repeal Syria sanctions. Trump is still reluctant to sanction Russia despite pressure.
The US and EU lift broad Syria sanctions while Trump flip-flops on Venezuela and Russia sanctions policy. Nuclear talks between the US and Iran appear promising despite key differences.
