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Monday 23/02/2026

Trump Pressures Cuba Amid Venezuelan Oil Sanctions

Trump gesturing towards Cuba with diplomatic tension

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Donald Trump has urged Cuba to "make a deal" as the US halts Venezuelan oil shipments, impacting Cuba's economy.
  • The US seized Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, intensifying tensions with Cuba, a long-time ally of Venezuela.
  • Cuban officials assert their right to import fuel and reject US interference, emphasizing national sovereignty.
  • Trump hinted at potential leadership changes in Cuba, sharing a post suggesting Marco Rubio as a possible leader.
  • ExxonMobil's CEO labeled Venezuela "uninvestable," prompting Trump to consider blocking the company from future investments.

In a bold move, former US President Donald Trump has called on Cuba to "make a deal" or face unspecified consequences, as the United States halts the flow of Venezuelan oil to the island nation. This development follows the US military's capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on January 3, a move that has further strained relations between the US and Cuba, a staunch ally of Venezuela.

Impact of Venezuelan Oil Sanctions

Venezuela has been a crucial supplier of oil to Cuba, sending approximately 35,000 barrels per day. However, the recent US sanctions have disrupted this supply, exacerbating Cuba's existing fuel and electricity crisis. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, declared, "THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO!" urging Cuba to negotiate before it's too late.

Cuban Response and Sovereignty Claims

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez responded firmly, asserting Cuba's right to import fuel "without interference." President Miguel Diaz-Canel echoed this sentiment, stating, "Cuba is a free, independent and sovereign nation. No one tells us what to do." The Cuban government has also reported casualties among its nationals during the US operation in Caracas, further fueling tensions.

Speculation on Cuban Leadership

Amidst these developments, Trump shared a social media post suggesting that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a Cuban-American, could become Cuba's president. While this remains speculative, it has sparked discussions about potential leadership changes in Cuba.

ExxonMobil's Stance on Venezuela

In related news, ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods described Venezuela as "uninvestable" during a meeting with Trump, citing the need for legal reforms. Trump's dissatisfaction with Exxon's stance has led him to consider barring the company from future investments in Venezuela. This comes as the US seeks to revitalize Venezuela's oil industry, following Maduro's removal.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The US's aggressive stance towards Cuba and Venezuela could lead to heightened geopolitical tensions in the region. Cuba's insistence on sovereignty and its historical ties with Venezuela suggest that it may resist US pressure, potentially seeking alternative alliances or economic partnerships. Meanwhile, the uncertainty surrounding future investments in Venezuela's oil sector could deter international companies, impacting the country's economic recovery. As the situation unfolds, the international community will closely watch for any shifts in US foreign policy or changes in Cuban leadership dynamics.