The United States has imposed sanctions on Cuba's state-owned oil company, Union Cuba-Petroleo (Cupet), as part of an intensified energy-driven pressure campaign against the Caribbean nation. The State Department announced that the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) will block any business interests or property held in the US by Cupet, as well as any interests in Cupet held by US citizens.

Allegations and Rationale

The State Department accused Cuba's government of a "weaponised" approach to energy, claiming it has repressed citizens by profiting from reselling oil barrels on the secondary market and hoarding supplies for the military while causing constant shortages for residents. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Trump Administration will continue to target Cuba's ability to leverage energy trade to further its "corrupt agenda and repressive security apparatus."

Escalating Measures

President Donald Trump has increased pressure on Cuba since early 2025. On January 29, he issued an executive order targeting Cuba with tariffs on any countries that supply oil to the nation. These tariffs have led to critical shortages and frequent rolling blackouts in Cuba, as reported by Reuters. Trump also declared a national emergency in Cuba, asserting that its government has aligned itself with "numerous hostile countries," specifically naming Russia, China, and Iran. Additionally, the US sanctioned 11 Cuban officials in May, including military leaders, and has blocked shipments of Venezuelan crude to the country.

Cuba's Response

Despite these threats, Cuba has remained defiant. President Miguel Diaz Canel stated in January that Cuba would be "willing to defend the homeland until the last drop of blood."