Magnitude 5.8 Earthquake Hits off Cuba

A woman holds a flashlight while walking with a man on a street during a blackout in Havana on March 16, 2026. (AFP)
A woman holds a flashlight while walking with a man on a street during a blackout in Havana on March 16, 2026. (AFP)
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Magnitude 5.8 Earthquake Hits off Cuba

A woman holds a flashlight while walking with a man on a street during a blackout in Havana on March 16, 2026. (AFP)
A woman holds a flashlight while walking with a man on a street during a blackout in Havana on March 16, 2026. (AFP)

A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Cuba early Tuesday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said.

The quake hit at a depth of 11.6 kilometers (7.2 miles) about 49 kilometers south-southwest of Cuba's easternmost municipality of Maisi at 12:28 am (0428 GMT), according to the USGS.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

Cuba is trying to restore electricity following a total power blackout on Monday, as the United States pursues its oil blockade against the island's communist government.

The USGS put the alert level for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses at green, meaning "low likelihood for casualties and damage".

The quake was first reported by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Center, which also logged aftershocks of up to 4.7-magnitude.

Cuba's seismological service said it received perceptibility reports from the Santiago de Cuba and Guantanamo provinces. The epicenter was around 95 kilometers from Guantanamo.

US President Donald Trump vowed on Monday to "take" Cuba, with his administration reportedly signaling to Cuban officials that Washington wants President Miguel Diaz-Canel to be removed from power.

On March 6, a 5.0-magnitude quake was recorded off the coast of Cuba, according to the USGS.



Pakistan PM Says US-Iran Ceasefire Violations Reported, Urges Restraint

People wave Iranian national flags as they gather at Enghelab Square following the US-Iran ceasefire announcement, in Tehran, Iran, 08 April 2026. EPA/ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH
People wave Iranian national flags as they gather at Enghelab Square following the US-Iran ceasefire announcement, in Tehran, Iran, 08 April 2026. EPA/ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH
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Pakistan PM Says US-Iran Ceasefire Violations Reported, Urges Restraint

People wave Iranian national flags as they gather at Enghelab Square following the US-Iran ceasefire announcement, in Tehran, Iran, 08 April 2026. EPA/ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH
People wave Iranian national flags as they gather at Enghelab Square following the US-Iran ceasefire announcement, in Tehran, Iran, 08 April 2026. EPA/ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that violations of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran "have been reported" and pressed countries to respect the truce.

"Violations of ceasefire have been reported at (a) few places across the conflict zone which undermine the spirit of peace process," Sharif said on X, AFP reported.

"I earnestly and sincerely urge all parties to exercise restraint and respect the ceasefire for two weeks, as agreed upon, so that diplomacy can take a lead role towards peaceful settlement of the conflict."


Germany's Merz Speaks with Trump after Iran Ceasefire, Sources Says

FILED - 03 March 2026, US, Washington: US President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with German Chancellor Merz at the White House. Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa
FILED - 03 March 2026, US, Washington: US President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with German Chancellor Merz at the White House. Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa
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Germany's Merz Speaks with Trump after Iran Ceasefire, Sources Says

FILED - 03 March 2026, US, Washington: US President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with German Chancellor Merz at the White House. Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa
FILED - 03 March 2026, US, Washington: US President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with German Chancellor Merz at the White House. Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke with US President Donald Trump by telephone on Wednesday afternoon after the latter's ceasefire with Iran, two German government source told Reuters.

According to Germany's Bild newspaper, whichfirst reported the call, the conversation was brief and friendly, with Merz looking to get an overview on the current state of diplomatic affairs.

The two leaders did not address Germany's possible involvement in securing the Strait of Hormuz, reported Bild.


Iran Downs Israeli-made Drone above Town in South: State TV

An Iranian national flag is placed by the rubble of a collapsed building following strikes at Sharif University of Technology in Tehran on April 7, 2026. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP) /
An Iranian national flag is placed by the rubble of a collapsed building following strikes at Sharif University of Technology in Tehran on April 7, 2026. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP) /
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Iran Downs Israeli-made Drone above Town in South: State TV

An Iranian national flag is placed by the rubble of a collapsed building following strikes at Sharif University of Technology in Tehran on April 7, 2026. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP) /
An Iranian national flag is placed by the rubble of a collapsed building following strikes at Sharif University of Technology in Tehran on April 7, 2026. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP) /

Iranian forces downed an Israeli-made Hermes drone flying above the town of Lar in the south of the country on Wednesday, state television said, citing a statement from the Revolutionary Guards.

"Minutes ago, an advanced Hermes 900 drone was intercepted and destroyed in the sky over Lar, Fars Province, by fire from the Revolutionary Guards' modern aerospace defence system," the statement reported by broadcaster IRIB said.

It added that "the entry of any type of enemy American or Zionist aircraft into the country's skies, even without conducting military operations, is considered a violation of the ceasefire and a decisive response will be given".