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In January 2026, the Trump administration enforced an oil and fuel blockade on Cuba, triggering severe energy shortages and widespread blackouts that have especially impacted vulnerable populations, such as expectant mothers.
The shortages of food, milk, and essential medicines are straining maternal care services, making pregnancies more difficult and uncertain.
The BBC's Will Grant spoke to two expectant mothers facing starkly different realities as the energy crisis unfolds.
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How is the Philippines reacting to its energy emergency?
BBC News Asia Business Correspondent Suranjana Tewari reports from a petrol station in Manila.
As Cuba struggles with power cuts, how is the island holding up?
The BBC's Will Grant reports from the island days after the entire national electric grid collapsed.
Venezuelans in Miami and Caracas celebrate historic WBC victory over USA
Venezuela won its first-ever World Baseball Classic title, defeating the United States 3–2 in the championship game.
Watch: Sean Penn receives 'Oscar' in Ukraine after skipping US ceremony
The Academy Award winning US actor won his third Oscar on Sunday, but skipped the ceremony to visit Ukraine.
Why did only two Iranian football players stay in Australia?
After Australia gave humanitarian visas to seven team members, only two decided to stay - the BBC's Katy Watson explains what happened.
'A new norm': BBC visits Doha market starting to fill up again two weeks into Iran war
The BBC's International News correspondent, Barbara Plett Usher, visits Doha's Souq Waqif market as strikes in the region continue.
Oscar buzz for Ray and his Retirement Plan
Voiced by Domhnall Gleeson and directed by John Kelly, Retirement Plan is nominated for Best Animated Short Film at the 98th Academy Awards.
Watch: Why Kharg Island is a lifeline for Iran
BBC Security Brief's Mikey Kay breaks down why Kharg Island is so strategically important for Tehran.
Justified or not? US military families on fears of Iran war
BBC's North America editor Sarah Smith spoke to Gold Star mum Lynn, whose son died in the Iraq War, and veteran Jeremy.
'I don't know why we're doing it' - Americans divided on Iran war
Ten days since President Trump first announced the attack, people from across the US tell the BBC what they think the best outcome of the conflict could be.
HMS Dragon sets sail from Portsmouth and heads to Cyprus
The UK has deployed the Type 45 Destroyer to the Mediterranean region, after an Iranian drone struck the runway at the RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus on 1 March.
Trump says Iran war will be over 'very soon', but not this week
At his press briefing, the US president claimed the operation was a "tremendous success", but added that he wants to ensure Iran cannot develop nuclear weaponry.
Watch: Why the Iran war is pushing up oil prices
As turmoil continues in the Middle East, the price of crude oil rose to more than $100 a barrel on Monday.
Watch: Ukrainian anti-drone 'bullet' that could help defend Gulf
The BBC's Diplomatic Correspondent, James Landale, is in Ukraine to see the latest anti-drone technology the country has to offer.
'This is a moment of grave peril' - UN humanitarian chief
UN Humanitarian Affairs Lead Tom Fletcher speaks to the BBC about the conflict in the Middle East.
After Iran, will Trump turn his eyes to Cuba?
During a White House event with the Inter Miami CF soccer team, the US president said the island was “ready to fall”.
Inside Venezuela's political transition two months after Maduro's ousting
The BBC's Ione Wells reports from the country and speaks to recently freed opposition politicians about the government's future and relations with the US.
Frozen in time: The once-glamorous Iranian embassy in the US sits empty
The BBC's Helena Humphrey explains the steps required to reopen both embassies, which have remained closed for decades.
'We got home': Passengers on Dubai-Dublin flight celebrate return
The Emirates flight was the first in a number of days after the United States-Israeli attacks on Iran led to the closure of nearly all airspace in the Middle East.
Timelapse shows change in the flow of ships in the Strait of Hormuz
A timelapse of marine traffic shows the flow of ships has decreased in the Strait of Hormuz.
