Donald Trump's bold statement to seize Cuba has surprised many, especially as the island nation grapples with its worst energy crisis in years.
Despite the harsh tone, it is seen more as a political pressure strategy than a real military threat.
Cuba is currently facing massive power outages due to the collapse of the national grid, forcing citizens to live in darkness for hours each day.
The situation is made worse by a shortage of oil supplies, following ongoing US sanctions and the decline in support from key allies such as Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela.
Without sufficient energy resources, Cuba's economy is increasingly depressed, its tourism sector is affected, and basic necessities such as food and medicine are increasingly difficult to obtain.
Public anger has begun to peak as protests have erupted in several areas, something that rarely happens in the communist country.
In a desperate situation, the government led by Miguel DÃaz-Canel has tried to ease the pressure by opening up space for foreign investment, including from the Cuban diaspora in the United States.
In this context, Trump's statement is seen as a step to increase pressure on Havana to be willing to negotiate.
Although his rhetoric may sound extreme, the likelihood of the United States actually 'taking' Cuba is very low due to the high risk of international conflict.
The energy crisis that has hit Cuba is now not just a domestic issue, but has become a broader geopolitical playing field where great powers like the United States do not miss the opportunity to strengthen their influence.
