Trump Issues Ultimatum to Cuba As Tensions Rise Over Venezuelan Oil
In a recent escalation of tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump urged Cuba to strike a deal with Washington, warning that the island nation will no longer receive Venezuelan oil and money. This development comes amid the backdrop of the U.S. capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and as the Trump administration intensifies its efforts to isolate regional allies of Venezuela.
Background and Context
Cuba, a close ally of Venezuela, has been a major beneficiary of its subsidized oil. However, supplies from the OPEC nation have dried up since early January. Shipping data show no crude cargoes have left Venezuelan ports for the island since Maduro's abduction by American forces, as a strict U.S.-led oil blockade brought deliveries to a halt.
The U.S. has reportedly demanded that Venezuela cut economic ties with Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba, favoring an exclusive partnership with the U.S. on oil production and sales. This move is seen as part of President Trump's plan to control and revive Venezuela's oil industry, which critics have labeled as modern-day colonialism.
Key Developments
President Trump took to his Truth Social platform to deliver his ultimatum, stating, THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.
Trump also indicated his support for Secretary of State Marco Rubio potentially taking a leadership role in Cuba, responding positively to a social media post suggesting Rubio could be the island's president.
In response, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez declared on Sunday that the island nation would defend itself to the last drop of blood.
He rejected Trump's threats, emphasizing Cuba's independence and commitment to defending its sovereignty.
Reactions and Implications
Díaz-Canel further stated on Monday that there are no ongoing negotiations with the U.S. government, contradicting Trump's suggestion that the two parties had opened dialogue. This announcement came as the Cuban leader continued to denounce the U.S. for applying hostile pressure on the island, insisting that negotiations would only take place if they are conducted in accordance with international law.
The situation has fueled speculation about the potential collapse of the Cuban government, with reports by European diplomats raising the prospect that Cuba could be the next domino to fall after the U.S. capture of Maduro. U.S. Senator Rick Scott, R-Fla., predicted that the Cuban regime could potentially fall within the next few years, echoing his earlier prediction about the end of Maduro's rule in Venezuela.
Current Status
As of now, the standoff continues with both nations holding firm on their positions. The Trump administration is seemingly intent on exploiting Venezuela's oil wealth while isolating Cuba and other regional allies of Venezuela. On the other hand, Cuba remains defiant, rejecting U.S. demands and asserting its sovereignty. The implications of these developments on regional stability and international relations remain uncertain.