Energy & Refining: CUPET says it has refined 100% domestic crude at the Hermanos Díaz refinery in Santiago de Cuba, running a test of about 20,000 tons to produce solvent (naphtha) and other cuts needed to keep Varadero’s production and thermoelectric supply moving. Fuel Crisis Reality Check: Cubans are improvising transport as gasoline prices soar, with one Holguín resident turning a motorized bicycle into a pedal-only setup after fuel became unaffordable. Sanctions & GAESA: Cuba’s government escalates its response to U.S. pressure by targeting GAESA in a new Granma statement, warning Washington aims to isolate Cuba commercially, financially, energetically and diplomatically, with secondary sanctions tied to foreign firms. Currency Pressure: The informal market dollar hits a new record at 595 CUP, while the euro slips to 635 CUP, adding strain to imports and everyday costs. Tourism & Air Links: Iberia suspends direct Madrid–Havana flights until November, citing Cuba’s crisis and demand drop, further squeezing an already battered tourism pipeline. Diplomacy & Risk: UN officials say Cuba is seeking international support against U.S. military aggression, as lawmakers press Marco Rubio on Iran and broader foreign policy.