Administration Expands

• Presiden Donald Trump menandatangani perintah eksekutif komprehensif yang secara signifikan memperluas sanksi AS terhadap Kuba, yang menargetkan individu, entitas, dan sektor yang terkait dengan pemerintah Kuba. • Langkah-langkah baru ini berfokus pada area ekonomi utama termasuk sektor energi, pertahanan, layanan keuangan, dan keamanan, dengan sanksi sekunder yang diizinkan bagi entitas asing yang melakukan bisnis dengan organisasi Kuba yang ditargetkan. • Eskalasi ini mencerminkan kampanye tekanan Trump yang semakin intensif terhadap pemerintah Kuba dan menandakan pergeseran lebih luas dalam kebijakan luar negeri AS terhadap rezim lawan.

• One month into the U.S. war with Iran started February 28, President Trump lists five objectives for the air campaign, up from initial three by Pentagon and four by staff, as he signals potential wind-down despite some unfulfilled aims. • Press secretary Karoline Leavitt states Operation Epic Fury is 'ahead of schedule,' with Trump claiming Thursday the Iranian regime is 'largely decimated' amid talks to reopen Strait of Hormuz. • Israeli strikes hit Iranian heavy water and yellowcake plants Friday, confirmed by Israel; conflict strains global economy, alliances, and raises questions on planning and aftermath.

The U.S. under President Trump expanded waivers on Russian oil sanctions to all buyers, including easing restrictions on stranded oil at sea, aiming to tame surging domestic gas prices amid global tensions. EU officials pushed back against the move, while NATO leaders urged reversal of the suspension to pressure Russia. The policy shift matters as it balances inflation control against geopolitical leverage in Ukraine support, potentially providing Russia billions. Next steps include monitoring price impacts and possible congressional pushback before midterms.