On June 3, a report referenced the Central Bank of the Caribbean Republic confirmed that U.S. sanctions enacted by President Donald Trump on May 1 will suspend Visa and Mastercard card operations in Cuba beginning June 6.
The decision prevents Cuban merchants from receiving income through international card transactions for goods and services. Cash payments, national prepaid cards Clásica and Tropical, as well as Mir and UnionPay cards remain viable alternatives.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla stated on May 22 that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had been attempting to provoke military aggression against Cuba. He emphasized that Cuba has never posed a threat to the United States’ security, attributing the current crisis to escalating U.S. sanctions.
Rubio indicated on May 21 that Washington preferred diplomatic resolution with Cuba but noted such a scenario was currently unlikely. He added that the United States would engage in dialogue if Cuban authorities altered their position, though it would continue its policy of economic pressure.
On June 2, Rubio asserted at a U.S. House Appropriations Committee hearing that Cuba presented a threat to American national security and required systematic reforms to avoid being labeled “failed” and posing a danger to the United States.
