31.01.2026 00:44
The U.S. government has taken a new economic step to increase pressure on Cuba. With a presidential decree signed by President Donald Trump, additional customs duties have been imposed on countries that supply oil to Cuba.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed a presidential decree that paves the way for additional tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba. The White House stated that the decision was made in response to elements threatening U.S. national security.
"NATIONAL EMERGENCY" DECLARATION
A written statement from the White House indicated that a national emergency was declared citing threats from the Cuban government against the U.S. Under the decree, a new tariff system has been implemented that allows for additional tariffs on products imported into the U.S. from countries supplying oil to Cuba directly or indirectly.
THE TARGET IS THE OIL SUPPLY CHAIN
The new regulation aims to economically deter countries that support Cuba's energy supply. The statement expressed that the U.S. State and Commerce Departments have been given full authority to prepare the necessary regulations for the implementation of the tariff system.
SECURITY AND TERRORISM ALLEGATIONS
The White House statement claimed that the Cuban government risks American security by supporting hostile actors and terrorist organizations. It was alleged that Cuba hosts the largest overseas signal intelligence facility owned by Russia, which focuses on gathering sensitive information from the U.S.
Additionally, it was asserted that the Havana government provides safe haven for international terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas and supports anti-U.S. elements in the Western Hemisphere.
The statement also included allegations that the Cuban regime tortures political dissidents, restricts freedom of expression, and fuels instability by spreading communist ideology in the region.
DOOR OPEN FOR CHANGES IN THE DECREE
The White House indicated that if Cuba or countries affected by the sanctions take concrete and significant steps to address U.S. security concerns, Trump could make changes to the decree.
This step is expressed as part of Trump's goal to stand with the Cuban people and hold the regime accountable within the framework of his "America First" policy.