US President Donald Trump escalated sanctions against Cuba on January 31 by threatening tariffs on countries selling oil to the island, mainly targeting Mexico's supply. International leaders and organizations condemned the move as imperialist aggression and called for an end to the blockade. In Cuba, tensions with US diplomats persist amid worsening economic hardships.
On January 31, 2026, US President Donald Trump announced measures to restrict oil supplies to Cuba, targeting Mexico, which provides about 30% of the island's energy through 25,000 barrels daily. Sources describe the action as aimed at cutting funding to the Cuban regime, calling it a 'masterstroke' in geopolitical chess by US government critics. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum warned of humanitarian consequences and vowed to pursue diplomatic channels to send fuel and food aid, stating: 'This is not a matter for governments, but support to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Cuba'.
Groups like the Communist Party of the USA (CPUSA) denounced the policy as 'imperialist blackmail' and demanded revocation of the blockade and removal of Cuba from the terrorism sponsors list. Democratic representatives such as Rashida Tlaib labeled it 'extreme cruelty', highlighting impacts on homes, schools, and hospitals without electricity. Pope Leo XIV expressed concern and urged avoidance of actions increasing Cuban suffering.
In Latin America, the São Paulo Forum rejected Trump's actions as an attempt to revive the Monroe Doctrine, while Brazil's Workers' Party and Norway's Communist Party condemned the economic siege. In Cuba, the Catholic Church issued a statement urging 'immediate structural changes' amid public suffering. Meanwhile, the Cuban regime organized a protest against US Chargé d'Affaires Mike Hammer in Camagüey, who reaffirmed his mission to engage ordinary Cubans on their aspirations.
These tensions, dating back to early 2025, exacerbate energy and food shortages on the island, where prices rise and access to basic goods is limited to dollar stores or mipymes.
