Overview
- After a five-day visit, Reps. Pramila Jayapal and Jonathan Jackson labeled the U.S. oil restrictions an illegal blockade and said they witnessed premature babies at risk, shuttered schools, and delayed cancer care.
- The pair met President Miguel Díaz-Canel and senior officials, said initial dialogue has begun, and urged Washington to enter formal negotiations and roll back Cold War-style sanctions.
- The White House allowed a Russian tanker to deliver about 700,000 barrels of crude to Cuba, with Moscow promising another shipment, though the relief is temporary.
- Cuban authorities announced more than 2,000 pardons, invited the FBI to probe a deadly speedboat incident, and opened limited investment to Cuban Americans, with rights groups saying the pardons did not include political prisoners.
- Díaz-Canel warned he would resist any U.S. military move, while Cuban-American leaders in South Florida blasted the lawmakers’ trip and framing of the crisis.