Pakistan announces school closures due to rising fuel costs
Schools across Pakistan are being forced to close for a fortnight from next week with government departments down to a four-day week, accordin...
Mexico is assessing whether it can resume fuel deliveries to Cuba without triggering U.S. tariffs, as both sides hold frequent talks and Havana warns of worsening shortages.
Mexican officials are exploring whether fuel can still reach Cuba without activating tariff measures set out by Donald Trump, according to four people familiar with the talks.
One source described near-daily exchanges, saying: “There are talks happening almost every other day” as Mexico tries to understand how the executive order would be applied.
The source added: “Mexico doesn’t want tariffs imposed but it is also firm in its policy of helping the Cuban people.”
The White House pointed to Trump’s earlier comment that Mexico “would stop sending oil to Cuba”, though he did not explain the basis for that claim.
Washington’s broader position remains unclear, with no responses from the U.S. State Department or the Mexican presidency. Mexico’s Foreign Ministry said it had no information.
Fuel imports make up most of Cuba’s energy supply and shortages have intensified after shipments from Venezuela were halted following U.S. actions targeting tankers and the detention of Nicolas Maduro.
Mexico had become the island’s main supplier before suspending exports in mid-January under pressure from Washington.
Cuban authorities said on Thursday they were preparing a response plan for “acute fuel shortages,” with details expected next week.
At the UN, Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the island risked a humanitarian “collapse” without new supplies.
Mexico’s ruling Morena movement continues to emphasise historical ties with Cuba and President Claudia Sheinbaum faces growing pressure not to abandon Havana.
Three of the four sources said they believed talks with Washington were moving forward.
Two added that Mexico could dispatch a tanker carrying gasoline, food and other items listed as humanitarian aid within days if an understanding is reached.
Sheinbaum said last Friday that “imposing tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba could trigger a far-reaching humanitarian crisis, directly affecting hospitals, food and other basic services for the Cuban people.”
She added that the situation “must be avoided through respect for international law and dialogue.”
Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is a hardline cleric with strong backing from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. His rise signals continuity in Tehran's anti-Western policies.
Global oil prices surpassed $119 a barrel on Monday (9 March, 2026), an almost four year high, as the Middle East conflict rumbled on.
China has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their dispute through dialogue after Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, as fighting between the two neighbours entered its eleventh day.
Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father Ali Khamenei as supreme leader on Monday (9 March), signaling that hardliners remain firmly in charge, as the week-old U.S.-Israeli war with Iran pushed oil above $100 a barrel.
Entry and exit across the state border between Azerbaijan and Iran for all types of cargo vehicles, including those in transit, will resume on 9 March, according to a statement by the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan.
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution after refusing to sing their national anthem at an Asia Cup match.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 10th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump called his recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very good.” The two leaders spoke on Monday about the situation in Iran and other international issues.
Welcome to our live coverage as the conflict involving Iran enters its 11th day. Tensions in the region remain high as the United States and Iran exchange increasingly sharp warnings over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
U.S. President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke by phone on Sunday as tensions between Washington and Westminster deepened over the conflict involving Iran. The call came less than a day after Trump criticised Britain’s response to U.S. strikes on Iranian targets.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment