Joseph Kent, Director of the United States' National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), resigned on Tuesday, citing his opposition to the ongoing war with Iran. Kent asserted that Tehran posed “no imminent threat” to the US and sharply criticised the rationale for military action. In his resignation letter to US President Donald Trump, Kent described the conflict as unjustified, claiming Washington entered the war primarily due to pressure from Israel and its influential American lobby rather than any direct threat to national security. “After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today. I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby,” Kent wrote. He added, “I support the values and the foreign policies that you campaigned on in 2016, 2020, and 2024… Until June 2025, you understood that the wars in the Middle East were a trap that robbed America of precious lives and depleted the nation’s wealth and prosperity.” After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today.I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this… pic.twitter.com/prtu86DpEr — Joe Kent (@joekent16jan19) March 17, 2026 Kent accused high-ranking Israeli officials and parts of the American media of orchestrating a pro-war misinformation campaign that misled the administration into believing Iran posed an imminent threat—a tactic he compared to the build-up to the Iraq war. This resignation comes amid escalating conflict that began on February 28 with the killing of 86-year-old Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israel military strikes. In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets across Gulf countries, disrupting global energy routes, including the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Mojtaba Khamenei has since been appointed as Iran’s new Supreme Leader. A decorated military veteran with multiple combat deployments, Kent also cited personal loss in his decision. “As a veteran who deployed 11 times and as a Gold Star husband who lost my beloved wife Shannon in a war manufactured by Israel, I cannot support sending the next generation off to fight and die in a war that serves no benefit to the American people,” he wrote. Kent’s resignation is a rare high-profile departure from the US counterterrorism establishment, highlighting internal opposition to the administration’s strategic decisions in the ongoing West Asia conflict. (With ANI inputs)
17 March,2026 10:24 PM IST | Washington DC | mid-day online correspondentPakistan’s recent signs of economic stability are now under fresh pressure as rising tensions in the Middle East threaten to disrupt its fragile recovery, a report has said. The escalation involving the United States, Israel and Iran has raised concerns over the country’s heavy dependence on the Gulf region for energy, remittances and financial support, according to The News International report, reported IANS. In recent months, Pakistan had shown improvement in key economic indicators such as easing inflation, rising foreign exchange reserves, a stable currency and even a current account surplus after nearly a decade. However, the ongoing crisis in the Persian Gulf has cast doubt on how long this progress can last, the report said. Gulf crisis threatens Pakistan's oil supply through Strait of Hormuz As per IANS, a major concern is Pakistan’s dependence on oil imports through the Strait of Hormuz. Around 81 per cent of the country’s oil imports pass through this route. Any disruption in this narrow shipping lane can immediately affect supplies and increase costs. The impact of rising oil prices is already being felt. Brent crude prices, which were around $70 per barrel before the conflict, surged to over $100 within days. For a country like Pakistan, which imports most of its energy needs, such a spike directly increases the import bill and puts pressure on foreign exchange reserves. Apart from energy, remittances form another key pillar of Pakistan’s economy. In FY2025, the country received about $38.3 billion in remittances, with more than half coming from Gulf nations. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates together accounted for a large share of these inflows. Pakistani workers in Gulf fear layoffs as economic crisis deepens However, the current crisis could also affect these inflows. Economic slowdown in Gulf countries may impact sectors like construction and services, where a large number of Pakistani workers are employed. Many of these workers are in low or semi-skilled jobs, making them more vulnerable to layoffs during economic uncertainty, reported IANS. Reduced incomes and higher living costs could limit their ability to send money back home. Pakistan’s economic ties with Gulf countries go beyond trade and remittances. Nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have historically supported Pakistan during financial crises through deposits and deferred oil payment facilities. But regional instability may reduce the chances of such assistance in the near term. Experts warn that Pakistan’s economic structure remains highly dependent on external factors. While recent stability has been achieved, it is largely driven by short-term measures rather than deep structural reforms. This makes the economy vulnerable to global shocks such as rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions. Looking ahead, analysts suggest that Pakistan needs to diversify its energy sources and reduce reliance on imported fuel. Increasing the use of renewable energy and expanding alternative supply routes could help lower risks, as per IANS. At the same time, improving the skills of its workforce may make remittance flows more stable during global downturns. (Inputs from IANS)
17 March,2026 06:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIsraeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Tuesday termed the Joint Statement issued by the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, as "a distorted view of reality". As reported by news agency IANS, Earlier in the day, leaders of the five countries issued a joint statement, highlighting their grave concern over the escalating violence in Lebanon and calling for immediate de-escalation and meaningful engagement by Israeli and Lebanese representatives to negotiate a sustainable political solution, as per IANS. Joint Statement says that Hezbollah's attacks on Israeli civilians must stop "Hezbollah's attacks on Israel and the targeting of civilians must cease, and they must disarm. We condemn Hezbollah’s decision to join Iran in hostilities, which further jeopardises regional peace and security. We condemn attacks directed at civilians, civilian infrastructure, health workers and infrastructure, as well as the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. These actions are unacceptable, and we call on all parties to act in accordance with international humanitarian law," the Joint Statement read, according to IANS. "A significant Israeli ground offensive would have devastating humanitarian consequences and could lead to a protracted conflict. It must be averted. The humanitarian situation in Lebanon, including ongoing mass displacement, is already deeply alarming. We reiterate our call for the full implementation of UNSC Resolution 1701 by all parties and support the efforts of the Government of Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, prohibit Hezbollah’s military activities, and curb their armed hostilities. We stand in solidarity with the Lebanese government and people, who have been unwillingly drawn into conflict," it added. However, Saar labelled it as a "distorted view of reality", highlighting that Israelis have been attacked unprovoked from Lebanese territory by Hezbollah since October 8, 2023. Israel slams critics, cites Hezbollah attacks on Israeli civilians The Israeli FM also questioned, "These are the same Israelis who for an entire year were forced to leave their homes due to relentless Hezbollah fire, yet the statement ignores their suffering. In the last two weeks, Hezbollah has fired approximately 2,000 missiles, rockets, and drones at Israeli civilians. Would the citizens of the countries that signed this statement agree to live under such terror? If these democracies were attacked in this way, would they accept a distorted symmetry between 'all parties' - equating a democratic state defending its citizens with a terror organization that has taken control over a neighbouring state?" as cited by IANS. "The statement includes no demand on the Lebanese government to stop the fire on Israel - or even to remove Hezbollah ministers from the government. The Lebanese government failed to disarm Hezbollah, and now it must take steps to immediately stop the firing towards Israel," he further added. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said on Sunday that it has conducted a wave of strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure across Lebanon. The Israeli Army struck launch sites in the Al-Qatrani area in southern Lebanon, from which Hezbollah militants planned to launch rockets imminently, the IDF said in a statement, reported IANS. It noted that the IDF also dismantled Hezbollah elite Radwan Force command centres in Beirut, from which militants allegedly launched attacks on Israel, Xinhua news agency reported. Israeli army issued immediate evacuation in the Lebanese capital As per IANS, the Israeli army also issued immediate forced evacuation orders for residents in several neighbourhoods in the Lebanese capital. In a statement, Israeli Army Spokesman Avichay Adraee urged residents of Haret Hreik, Ghobeiry, Laylaki, Hadath, Burj al-Barajneh, Tahwitat al-Ghadir, and Shiyah "to leave immediately and not to return until further notice," the Anadolu news agency reported. He said the Israeli army would "forcefully operate" in these areas, citing what he called Hezbollah activities in the neighbourhoods. Adraee threatened "to target anyone present near Hezbollah facilities, personnel, or military equipment in those locations". Hezbollah said on Sunday it was also targeting several Israeli troop positions in villages close to the border, reported IANS. (Inputs from IANS)
17 March,2026 04:32 PM IST | Tel Aviv | mid-day online correspondentSri Lanka has announced a temporary shift to a four-day working week, declaring every Wednesday a public holiday, as the government prepares for potential fuel shortages triggered by escalating tensions in the West Asia region. The decision, which comes into effect from March 18, was taken as part of contingency measures to conserve fuel and ensure continuity of essential services. Wednesday declared weekly public holiday Commissioner General of Essential Services Prabath Chandrakeerthi said that all state institutions will operate only four days a week until further notice. The new arrangement will apply to schools, universities and the judiciary, while essential sectors such as healthcare, ports, water supply and customs will continue to function as usual. The government has also urged the private sector to adopt similar measures to reduce fuel consumption across the country. Decision taken amid worsening energy concerns The move follows a high-level emergency meeting chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, where officials reviewed strategies to manage public services in the face of potential energy disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Authorities indicated that the situation could worsen if fuel supplies are disrupted further, prompting the need for immediate conservation efforts. Fuel rationing and price hike implemented In recent days, Sri Lanka has already introduced several steps to manage fuel demand. Retail fuel prices were increased last week to discourage hoarding, and a nationwide rationing system came into effect on Sunday. Under the new system, private motorists are limited to purchasing up to 15 litres of fuel per week, while public transport operators are allocated higher quotas to maintain services. Despite these measures, long queues have been reported at fuel stations, reflecting public anxiety over supply shortages. Global tensions disrupt supply chains The government attributed the crisis to disruptions in global oil supply routes, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor for energy shipments. Escalating conflict in the region has impacted shipping traffic, raising concerns over the availability of fuel imports. Sri Lanka, which relies entirely on imported fuel, sources refined petroleum products from countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea, while crude oil for its refinery is largely sourced from the Middle East. Additional austerity measures announced Alongside the reduced work week, the government has announced further austerity steps, including suspending public ceremonies and encouraging work-from-home arrangements where possible. Officials said the country’s current fuel reserves are expected to last around six weeks, but warned that any further disruption in supply could significantly impact the economy. Economic recovery at risk Sri Lanka is still recovering from its 2022 economic crisis, when it defaulted on USD 46 billion in foreign debt after running out of foreign exchange reserves. The country has since secured a USD 2.9 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund. Authorities cautioned that prolonged instability in global energy markets could derail recovery efforts and place additional strain on the island nation’s fragile economy. (With inputs from PTI and AFP)
17 March,2026 03:07 PM IST | Colombo | mid-day online correspondentCuba’s Ministry of Energy and Mines confirmed a “complete disconnection” of the national electrical system, marking the third major blackout in the past four months. Officials said there were no immediate failures reported in operating units at the time of the collapse and that investigations are underway to determine the exact cause, reported Associated Press. By Monday evening, state media reported that electricity had been restored to only about 2 per cent of Havana’s residents—roughly 18,000 customers—along with limited supply to a few hospitals. Authorities said priority would next be given to restoring power to communication networks, while cautioning that the fragile system could fail again. Aging infrastructure and fuel shortages worsen crisis Cuba’s power grid has significantly deteriorated in recent years, resulting in frequent outages and repeated large-scale blackouts. Experts say the infrastructure has outlived its operational lifespan and has not been adequately maintained. The situation has been compounded by fuel shortages. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel recently stated that the country has not received oil shipments for nearly three months, forcing reliance on limited sources such as solar energy, natural gas and thermoelectric plants. However, these have proven insufficient to meet national demand, reported Associated Press. US tensions and oil supply disruptions add pressure The Cuban government has blamed part of the crisis on U.S. policies, including restrictions affecting oil supplies. Tensions escalated after U.S. President Donald Trump warned of tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba and demanded political and economic reforms in exchange for easing sanctions, reported Associated Press. Trump also made controversial remarks about potentially taking control of Cuba, calling it a “weakened nation,” further intensifying geopolitical uncertainty around the island. Daily life severely impacted across the island The blackout has had a significant impact on daily life, with residents struggling to cope with prolonged outages. Many reported food spoilage, disrupted medical services and hardships for elderly family members. Authorities have already postponed tens of thousands of medical procedures due to the ongoing power crisis. Citizens expressed frustration over the repeated outages, with some saying the situation has become unbearable, reported Associated Press. Experts warn of economic collapse and migration risks Energy experts have warned that without urgent investment and structural reforms, Cuba’s crisis could worsen. American University professor William LeoGrande said the country’s grid is operating far beyond its usable life and requires major upgrades, reported Associated Press. He cautioned that continued shortages and instability could lead to economic collapse, social unrest and increased migration if conditions do not improve. Government explores reforms and foreign partnerships In response to the crisis, Cuban officials said they are considering economic reforms, including allowing Cubans living abroad to invest in private businesses and infrastructure projects. The government is also exploring partnerships to boost renewable energy capacity and stabilise the grid, reported Associated Press. However, analysts note that without sufficient financial resources and access to spare parts, recovery efforts may remain slow, leaving the country vulnerable to further disruptions. (With inputs from Associated Press)
17 March,2026 02:55 PM IST | Havana | mid-day online correspondentGlobal oil prices moved higher on Tuesday as tensions in the Middle East continued, with countries pushing back against calls to secure the key Strait of Hormuz and fresh attacks targeting oil-producing regions, reported the AFP. The oil prices rebounded after falling in the previous session. The earlier drop came after the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) suggested that more oil reserves could be released if needed. However, ongoing tensions pushed prices back up, with both major crude benchmarks rising over 2 percent and hovering around the USD 100 mark. Strait of Hormuz tensions intensify The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil route, remains a major concern after Iran effectively closed it. US President Donald Trump urged allies to help secure the waterway, calling it a shared responsibility. But several countries, including Germany, the UK, Spain, Poland, Greece, Sweden, Australia, and Japan, showed little willingness to join the effort. Trump further warned that a lack of support could adversely affect the future of NATO and on Monday, he told The Financial Times that he had asked to delay a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping by a "month or so" over the issue as per AFP reports. Attacks continue across the region The situation remains tense, with continued attacks on oil infrastructure and strategic locations: i. Drone strikes hit major oil fields in the UAE and Iraq ii. Israel carried out large-scale strikes in Tehran and Beirut iii. The US embassy in Baghdad was targeted with rockets and drones iv. A tanker near the Gulf was hit, though damage was minor v. Despite risks, a Pakistani oil tanker successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz, offering a small sign of stability. Markets hold firm despite crisis Global stock markets showed resilience despite rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions. Asian markets, including Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Seoul, recorded gains. Tech stocks led the rally after Nvidia projected strong long-term revenue growth. Wall Street also ended higher, reflecting investor confidence, though analysts warned that the rally may not be sustained if risks continue. Pepperstone’s Chris Weston said that “conviction behind a sustained rally in risk assets remains relatively low,” though investors should stay open to the possibility that momentum could build. While the IEA’s comments and the tanker movement offered some relief, he cautioned that “it is difficult to view these developments as a definitive de-escalation” or a real turning point for the energy risk premium as per AFP reports Investors are now watching upcoming central bank decisions, as rising oil prices could increase inflation and lead to higher interest rates. Key market figures West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Up 2.4 percent at USD 95.77 per barrel Brent North Sea Crude Up 2.6 percent at USD 102.84 per barrel Tokyo – Nikkei 225 Up 0.5 percent at 54,013.73 (mid-session) Hong Kong – Hang Seng Index Up 1.5 percent at 26,224.17 Shanghai – Composite Index Up 0.5 percent at 4,103.72 Euro/Dollar Down at USD 1.1493 (from USD 1.1510) Pound/Dollar Down at USD 1.3307 (from USD 1.3327) Dollar/Yen Up at 159.37 yen (from 159.14 yen) Euro/Pound Up at 86.38 pence (from 86.36 pence) New York – Dow Jones Up 0.8 percent at 46,946.41 (close) London – FTSE 100 Up 0.6 percent at 10,317.69 (close) (With AFP Inputs)
17 March,2026 01:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTensions in the Gulf escalated on Tuesday as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates reported missile and drone attacks, with emergency teams responding to fires and explosions in industrial zones. Officials have confirmed that the attacks caused no injuries. Qatar intercepts missile threat Qatar’s Ministry of Interior confirmed that emergency teams are attending a fire in an industrial area. The blaze was triggered by falling debris after the country’s air defence successfully intercepted an aerial attack. According to the ministry, the fire is “limited,” caused by shrapnel from an intercepted missile. There have been no injuries reported, the ministry updated on social media as per ANI reports. The Ministry of Defence in Qatar said that the country was targeted with 14 Iranian ballistic missiles and several drones. All drones and 13 of the missiles were successfully intercepted and neutralised except one single miss. However, the missile fell in an uninhabited area causing no damage. Authorities are maintaining a high state of alert as regional tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran continue into the 18th day of conflict. The crisis began after US and Israeli strikes killed Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prompting retaliatory attacks from Iran. Explosions heard in Dubai amid missile alerts In Dubai, an AFP journalist reported hearing three explosions after residents received a mobile phone alert warning them to “immediately seek a safe place” due to potential missile threats in the city, the UAE’s most populous. Since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict, Iran has launched over 1,900 missiles and drones at the UAE, the highest number of attacks on any country targeted by Tehran. The strikes have focused on US military assets in the Gulf, as well as civilian infrastructure, including airports, ports, oil facilities, and other landmarks as per AFP reports. Drone strike and fire in Fujairah, UAE The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that the country’s air defence units engaged incoming Iranian missiles and drones, producing loud sounds heard across the region. The UKMTO confirmed that authorities are investigating the incident. Meanwhile, all vessels in the area have been advised to navigate with caution and report any suspicious activity. The maritime incident comes amid continued instability on land, where a fire broke out at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone following a drone strike, according to Al Jazeera, citing the local government. The attack targeted the energy facility located roughly 150 km east of Dubai, but officials confirmed that there were no casualties from the strike. The agency reported on X that the tanker was at anchor when it was struck. The attack caused minor structural damage, but the vessel remained stable, and no crew members were injured. Officials also confirmed that there was no environmental impact on the surrounding waters. Authorities urge calm UAE officials stressed the importance of avoiding rumours on social media. The public has been urged to rely only on official updates from government sources to stay informed. Despite the attacks, emergency teams continue to manage the situations on the ground, and defence forces remain on alert as the region navigates a tense period of military activity. (With ANI and AFP Inputs)
17 March,2026 12:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian-flagged LPG tanker Nanda Devi is scheduled to arrive at Kandla Port on Tuesday after departing from Qatar with a shipment of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), the IANS reported. The vessel recently passed through the strategically sensitive Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime corridor linking the Persian Gulf to global markets. Authorities said its safe transit into the open sea marks a positive development amid heightened regional tensions. Another Indian-flagged LPG tanker, Shivalik, had already reached Mundra Port a day earlier. The vessel delivered approximately 45,000–46,000 tonnes of LPG. Together, the two ships are transporting around 92,700 metric tonnes of LPG to India. Both carriers are operated by the state-run Shipping Corporation of India. Safe passage of Indian vessels According to Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the tanker Nanda Devi successfully entered open waters after navigating the Strait of Hormuz, as per the IANS. He confirmed that there have been no reports of incidents involving Indian vessels or seafarers operating in the Gulf region. Government data indicates that 22 Indian-flagged vessels are currently located west of the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf, carrying a total of 611 Indian seafarers. Additional Oil shipment en route to India Another vessel, Jag Laadki, is currently en route to Mundra Port carrying nearly 81,000 tonnes of crude oil from the United Arab Emirates. Officials confirmed that the ship and its crew remain safe, according to the IANS. Vital global energy corridor The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime routes for energy supplies. Nearly 20 per cent of global oil and gas exports pass through this narrow channel each day, the news agency reported. Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region, Indian authorities continue to closely monitor shipping movements to ensure the safety of vessels and crew. Ports on alert to support shipping operations The Ministry stated that major ports across India are actively monitoring vessel movements and cargo handling operations. Ports are also offering support to shipping lines and cargo stakeholders, reported the IANS. This includes concessions in anchorage fees, berth hire and storage charges to facilitate smooth cargo operations during the current period of heightened maritime vigilance. (with IANS inputs)
17 March,2026 09:46 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentOver 400 people have reportedly been killed and hundreds injured after an alleged airstrike by Pakistan struck a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul, according to Afghan officials cited by local broadcaster TOLOnews, reported the ANI. The attack, which occurred late at night, caused widespread destruction at the facility where patients undergoing treatment and staff members were present. Authorities say the strike is among the deadliest single incidents affecting civilians in Afghanistan in recent years. Officials from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan reported that the number of casualties continued to increase in the hours following the incident. Deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat said that at least 400 people had been killed while approximately 250 others were injured. Rescue teams rushed to the site, and hospitals across Kabul received a large influx of wounded victims, according to the ANI. Medical authorities warned that the death toll could rise further as several of the injured remain in critical condition. Pakistan rejects civilian targeting claims The government of Pakistan denied intentionally targeting civilians, stating that its air operations were aimed at militant infrastructure and security threats, as per the ANI. According to Pakistani officials, the strikes were part of ongoing operations against armed groups allegedly operating from Afghan territory. The claims of large civilian casualties have not yet been independently verified. International community expresses concern The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and concern from international observers and human rights organisations. Richard Bennett expressed sympathy for the victims’ families and urged both Kabul and Islamabad to exercise restraint, the news agency reported. He called on the two sides to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians and public facilities such as hospitals and treatment centres. Human rights organisations have also demanded an independent investigation to establish responsibility for the strike and ensure accountability if violations of international law are confirmed. Taliban warning and risk of escalation Following the strike, Zabihullah Mujahid issued a stern warning to Pakistan, stating that the attack would not go unanswered. His remarks have raised concerns among regional analysts who fear the incident could trigger further military escalation between the two neighbouring countries. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have long been strained due to security concerns, cross-border militant activity and military operations near the frontier. The latest strike comes amid an ongoing escalation in the 2026 Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict, which has intensified following mutual accusations of harbouring militant groups. Diplomats and humanitarian organisations are now urging both sides to de-escalate tensions and prioritise the protection of civilians in the conflict-affected region, the ANI reported. (with ANI inputs)
17 March,2026 09:34 AM IST | Kabul | mid-day online correspondentOfficials in Cuba reported an islandwide blackout Monday in the country of some 11 million people as its energy and economic crises deepen and its power grid continues to crumble. The Ministry of Energy and Mines on X noted a "complete disconnection" of the country's electrical system and said it was investigating, noting there were no failures in the units that were operating when the grid collapsed. It was the third major blackout in Cuba over the past four months. Tomas David Velazquez Felipe, a 61-year-old resident of Havana, said the relentless outages make him think that Cubans who can should just pack up and leave the island. "What little we have to eat spoils," he said. "Our people are too old to keep suffering." By Monday evening, state-owned media reported that crews had restored power to 2 per cent of Havana's residents, representing some 18,000 customers, as well as a handful of hospitals across the island. Officials said they would prioritise the communications sector next, all while warning that the small circuits restored so far could fail again. Cuba's ageing grid has drastically eroded in recent years, leading to an increase in daily outages and islandwide blackouts. But the government also has blamed its woes on a U.S. energy blockade after U.S. President Donald Trump in January warned of tariffs on any country that sells or provides oil to Cuba. The Trump administration is demanding that Cuba release political prisoners and move toward political and economic liberalisation in return for a lifting of sanctions. Trump has also raised the possibility of a "friendly takeover of Cuba." On Monday, he said he believes he'll have the "honour of taking Cuba." "I mean, whether I free it, take it. I think I could do anything I want with it," Trump said about Cuba, calling it a "very weakened nation." The U.S. Embassy in Cuba wrote on X on Monday that "there is no information on when power would be restored." "Cuba's national electrical grid is increasingly unstable, and prolonged scheduled and unscheduled power outages are a daily occurrence across the country," it wrote. "Take precautions by conserving fuel, water, food, and mobile phone charge, and be prepared for significant disruption." Grinding blackouts William LeoGrande, a professor at American University who has tracked Cuba for years, said the country's energy grid hasn't been maintained properly and its infrastructure is "way past its normal useful life." "The technicians working on the grid are magicians to keep it running at all given the shape that it's in," LeoGrande said. LeoGrande said that if the island drastically reduces consumption and expands renewables, it can struggle along for a while without oil shipments. "But it would be constant misery for the general population, and eventually, the economy could collapse just completely and then you would have social chaos and probably mass migration," he said. To ramp up solar power even faster than Cuba did last year, LeoGrande said other countries, principally China, would have to be willing to double or more their provision of such equipment. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on Friday said the island had not received oil shipments in three months and was operating on solar power, natural gas and thermoelectric plants, and that the government has had to postpone surgeries for tens of thousands of people. Yaimisel Sanchez Pena, 48, said she was upset that the food she buys with money that her son in the U.S. sends keeps spoiling, adding that the outages also affect her 72-year-old mother: "Every day, she suffers." Mercedes Velazquez, a 71-year-old Cuban resident, lamented yet another blackout. "We're here waiting to see what happens," she said, adding that she recently gave away part of a soup she made while it was still fresh so as not to throw it out. "Everything goes bad." A perfect storm of collapse' A massive outage over a week ago affected the island's west, leaving millions without power. Another major blackout affected western Cuba in early December. Critical oil shipments from Venezuela were halted after the U.S. attacked the South American country in early January and arrested its then-president, Nicolas Maduro. While Cuba produces 40 per cent of its petroleum and has been generating its own power, it hasn't been sufficient to meet demand as its electric grid continues to crumble. "And on top of all that, the Cuban government doesn't have the hard currency to import spare parts or upgrade the plant or grid itself. It's just a perfect storm of collapse," LeoGrande said. He noted that the thermoelectric plants also have been using heavy oil, whose sulfur content is corroding the equipment. On Friday, Diaz-Canel confirmed that Cuba was holding talks with the U.S. government as the problems continue to deepen. The deputy prime minister of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Oscar Perez-Oliva Fraga, told reporters Monday that Cuba is open to trading with U.S. companies while noting the embargo's limitations. He said he's also implementing new measures aimed at boosting the island's economy. Among those is the possibility of allowing Cubans residing abroad to be partners or owners of private companies in the country and to be involved in large-scale projects, including those related to infrastructure, according to state media. He said those Cubans will be allowed to partner with Cuban private companies and establish ties with both state-owned and private Cuban entities. Perez-Oliva added that the government also will grant land under usufruct for the development of certain projects. He said Cubans residing abroad also will be able to open foreign currency bank accounts in Cuban banks, which will facilitate transactions. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 March,2026 09:14 AM IST | Havana | APTwice on Monday, President Donald Trump said he'd wrangled a confession of sorts from an Oval Office predecessor who he said had expressed regret in a private conversation about not attacking Iran the way Trump has been doing for more than two weeks. But there's just a little problem: Representatives for the four living former presidents - three Democrats and one Republican - said none have been in touch with Trump recently. Trump declined to name the former president when reporters asked who it was, saying he didn't want to "embarrass him." The Republican president first told the story during extended remarks about the Iran war as he opened a meeting of the board of trustees of the Kennedy Center. Trump is chairman of the board and held the meeting at the White House. He repeated that Iran had been a threat to the United States for decades but said he is the only president who had the courage to do something about it. "Look, for 47 years, no president was willing to do what I'm doing, and they should have done it a long time ago," he said. "It would have been a lot easier. There's no president that wanted to do it. "And yet every president knew. I've spoken to a certain president, who I like, actually, a past president, a former president. He said, 'I wish I did it, I wish I did,' but they didn't do it. I'm doing it," Trump continued. Asked which former president he'd spoken to, Trump said: "I can't tell you that. I don't want to embarrass him. It would be very bad for his career, even though he's got no career." Representatives for each of former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Joe Biden said they had not spoken with Trump recently. The individuals spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to discuss the former presidents' private conversations. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment after being informed that none of the former presidents said he had spoken with Trump recently. Trump and all four past presidents were last together in the same space for his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025 - well before the war. He has been extremely critical of Biden and Obama, often saying Biden is the "worst president in the history of our country" and accusing Obama of negotiating a "horrible deal" with Iran over its nuclear weapons. Trump withdrew the U.S. from that agreement the first time he was president. But the Republican recently offered sympathetic comments about Clinton, saying it "bothers" him that the former president had been called to give a deposition to Congress about his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. "I liked Bill Clinton. I still like Bill Clinton," Trump said in a Feb. 4 interview with NBC News. "I liked his behavior toward me. I thought he got me, he understood me." Trump repeated his story about discussing Iran with a former president later Monday in the Oval Office, where he announced that Vice President JD Vance will lead a task force that was created to eliminate fraud in federal benefit programs. "Was it George W. Bush?" a reporter asked. "No," Trump said. "Was it Bill Clinton?" the reporter asked. Trump said: "I don't want to say. I don't want to say," then added that "it's somebody that happens to like me. And I like that person, who's a smart person. But that person said, I wish I did it,' OK, but I don't want to get into who, OK. I don't want to get them into trouble." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 March,2026 09:07 AM IST | Washington | APADVERTISEMENT
-1773733780141_d.png "Crude climbs amid Middle East tensions. Representational Image")
-1773729365890_d.png "Smoke rises after a drone struck a fuel tank near Dubai International Airport. PIC/AFP")
