Trump Issues Ultimatum to Cuba Amid Venezuelan Oil Crisis

In a recent statement, President Trump warned Cuba to reach an agreement with the US quickly or face serious consequences. This warning follows a US military operation in Venezuela that has disrupted Cuba's oil supply, leading to severe shortages on the island. Cuban officials have rejected Trump's threats, asserting their right to import fuel freely. President Díaz-Canel criticized the US for its long-standing sanctions, attributing Cuba's economic struggles to these measures. The situation highlights the complex geopolitical tensions between the US, Cuba, and Venezuela.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 12, 2026, 12:28 IST

Trump's Warning to Cuba

On Sunday, President Donald Trump of the United States cautioned Cuba to negotiate with Washington swiftly, warning of potential repercussions if they fail to do so.

Trump highlighted that Cuba has long relied on financial and oil support from Venezuela, which is now expected to cease. He stated, “Cuba provided ‘Security Services’ for the last two Venezuelan dictators, BUT NOT ANYMORE.”

This warning followed a recent US military operation in Venezuela, during which Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores, were reportedly taken into custody. The US has accused Maduro of drug trafficking and involvement in 'narco-terrorism', claims he has denied.

In response to Trump's threats, Cuba firmly rejected them on Sunday.

Bruno Rodríguez, the Foreign Minister of Cuba, asserted that the nation has the right to import fuel from any willing supplier without being subjected to US coercive measures, as reported by a major news outlet.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel took to social media to express that those who commodify human lives lack the moral authority to criticize Cuba.

Following the US military actions in Venezuela, Cuba has faced significant disruptions in oil supplies as American forces have been intercepting tankers to control Venezuela's oil distribution, leading to worsening fuel shortages and power outages in Cuba.

The Cuban government claims that US sanctions have inflicted over $7.5 billion in damages from March 2024 to February 2025, according to reports.

Díaz-Canel reiterated these claims on Sunday, stating that those who attribute the severe economic difficulties to the 1959 Revolution should feel ashamed. He emphasized that the hardships stem from 'draconian measures' imposed by the US over the past sixty years.