US President Trump announces Venezuela oil ban and Cuba sanctions

US President Donald Trump has stated that no further Venezuelan oil or money will be sent to Cuba, and has suggested the island nation strike a deal with Washington. The US has imposed an oil blockade on Venezuela since January 3, when Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was abducted by US forces.

According to shipping data, no cargo has departed from Venezuelan ports to Cuba since the abduction of Maduro. Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that “there will be no more oil or money going to Cuba - zero!” He also suggested that Cuba should make a deal with Washington before it is too late.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel rejected Trump’s threats, stating that Cuba is a free and independent nation. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez has also spoken out against the US, saying that “right and justice are on Cuba’s side” and that the US behaves like an “out-of-control criminal hegemon”.

The US has imposed a trade embargo on Cuba since 2000, which has led to Havana increasingly relying on Venezuelan oil. However, Venezuela is no longer able to supply Cuba with oil due to its own economic struggles.

Cuba also relies on imported crude and fuel from Mexico, but the country’s operational refining capacity has dwindled in recent years. The US has hardened its rhetoric against Cuba in recent weeks, with some officials suggesting that Secretary of State Marco Rubio could become the president of communist-ruled Cuba.

Meanwhile, Americans are generally focused on domestic issues, such as an affordability crisis and rising healthcare costs. Trump’s actions have led to concerns within his base about whether he is living up to his campaign promises.

Source: Al Jazeera