U.S. Greenlights Mexican Oil Shipments to Cuba, Counter to Trump's Oil Ban Pledge

Despite President Trump's social media proclamation over the weekend asserting a complete halt in oil and financial resources to Cuba, present U.S. directives enable Mexico to continue its oil supplies to the island nation. This information stems from statements made by Energy Secretary Chris Wright and another American official.

Cuba faces a critical oil shortage since Venezuela has ceased its supplies, following the detention of Nicolás Maduro over a week ago by U.S. forces.

On Monday morning, Trump conversed with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, yet neither the White House nor the Mexican government has confirmed whether Cuba's oil supply was addressed.

Mexico had begun supplying oil to Cuba prior to Maduro's capture, and now stands as an essential provider to the island, especially after the U.S. intercepted vessels loaded with oil bound for Cuba. Sheinbaum categorizes this oil provision as a form of humanitarian aid.

According to U.S. officials, the government aims not to collapse the Cuban leadership but to encourage Havana to move away from its authoritarian, communist regime. Trump's recent social media threats advised Cuba to broker a deal 'before it's too late,' yet specifics of such a deal remain undefined.

Following Trump's online warnings, the Cuban government issued a series of defiant responses.

A statement was made on X Monday, insisting that any progression in U.S.-Cuba relations must align with International Law rather than being driven by animosity, threats, or economic coercion.

It was also asserted that no current diplomatic negotiations were taking place between the two nations, save for technical interactions concerning migration.

Shutting off oil supplies could destabilize Cuba's frail energy grid, already suffering frequent blackouts. A U.S. official pointed out that Cuba, facing severe financial constraints, has resorted to reselling Venezuelan oil to China, worsening the island's energy crisis even before Maduro's capture.

With the loss of support from Venezuela and Russia's preoccupation with Ukraine, the economic pressure on Havana is intensifying.

Havana has acknowledged deaths of Cubans who were part of a protective detail for Maduro—denying previous claims of offering security to him in exchange for oil.

Despite immense pressure, the Cuban regime has shown significant resilience, contributing to the CIA's mixed outlook on its future stability.

Last October, the U.S. proposed humanitarian assistance to Cuba, to be distributed through local entities rather than the government, but this aid has yet to be delivered.