US Declares Cuba Security Threat, Moves to Sanction Oil Suppliers

US, Jan 30 : Washington has significantly intensified pressure on Havana after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order authorising punitive trade measures against countries supplying oil to Cuba. The move forms part of a renewed hardline policy towards the island nation and cites national security concerns.

Issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the order allows Washington to impose additional tariffs on imports from any foreign country that directly or indirectly provides petroleum to Cuba. The White House said the decision was based on Cuba’s external alliances and its impact on US security interests.

Cuba labelled an “extraordinary threat”

The executive order describes the Cuban government as an “extraordinary threat” to American national security and foreign policy. It accuses Havana of deepening cooperation with adversarial states and militant groups, naming China, Russia, Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah.

According to the document, Cuba hosts foreign military and intelligence infrastructure, including what the US claims is Russia’s largest overseas signals intelligence facility, alongside expanding defence cooperation with China.

The order also condemns the Cuban government’s human rights record, alleging political repression, restrictions on free expression, and systematic abuse of civil liberties. Trump said the United States would show “zero tolerance” for such actions while maintaining support for the Cuban people.

Energy supplies under strain

The executive order coincides with mounting pressure on Cuba’s energy supply chain. Mexico has temporarily suspended oil shipments to the island, a move confirmed by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who denied that the decision was taken under US pressure.

She said the pause was a sovereign decision and added that Mexico would continue to express solidarity with Cuba, without specifying when exports might resume.

Mexico had emerged as one of Cuba’s key oil suppliers in recent months, following the collapse of Venezuelan shipments and reduced flows from Russia. The loss of Mexican crude further tightens Havana’s already fragile energy situation.

Trump reiterates warning, Havana pushes back

Trump has repeatedly warned that oil and financial support to Cuba would be cut off entirely, urging Havana to negotiate before facing further consequences. He has described the country as nearing economic collapse.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel rejected Washington’s stance, reiterating Havana’s willingness to engage in dialogue based on mutual respect, sovereignty and international law.

Diplomatic tensions have also surfaced elsewhere, with Cuban officials accusing the US of attempting to block oil deliveries in the Caribbean, describing the actions as economic coercion.

Economic crisis deepens

Relations between the two countries remain strained after a brief thaw a decade ago was reversed during Trump’s first term. Cuba is now facing its most severe economic crisis in decades, marked by fuel shortages, widespread power outages and declining tourism revenues.

With multiple energy supply routes under threat, analysts warn that economic conditions on the island could worsen further, even as Mexico balances its historic ties with Havana against growing trade and security pressures from Washington.