US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Cuba, demanding that Havana make a deal with Washington or face tougher consequences. Trump said the United States would no longer allow Venezuelan oil or financial support to reach the Cuban government, framing the move as part of a broader effort to increase economic pressure.
The warning signals a sharp escalation in US policy toward Cuba and reflects a tightening stance on regional energy flows. For years, Venezuela has supplied oil to Cuba under cooperation agreements that have been vital to the island’s energy system. Trump said cutting off those supplies would deprive Havana of resources he claims are used to prop up the government.
US officials described the approach as a deliberate use of sanctions and enforcement tools to push for political concessions. Analysts say the move could have significant consequences for Cuba’s economy, which is already under strain, while also increasing tensions across the Caribbean and Latin America.
The policy shift highlights how Venezuelan oil has become a central lever in US foreign policy, linking Washington’s pressure on Havana with its broader strategy toward Caracas. Regional observers warn that the hardline stance could deepen economic hardship in Cuba and further complicate diplomatic relations in the hemisphere.
