Trump Threatens Tariffs on Nations Supplying Oil to Cuba, Escalating Economic Pressure

• US President Donald Trump signed an executive order threatening tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, citing the Cuban government as an "extraordinary threat" to US national security.
• The order, issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, alleges Cuba supports hostile countries and terrorist groups like Russia, China, Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah.
• Mexico has temporarily suspended oil shipments to Cuba, a "sovereign decision" according to President Claudia Sheinbaum, amidst escalating US pressure to isolate Havana.
• Cuba faces its worst economic crisis since 1959, with severe fuel shortages, power cuts, and disruptions to food and water supplies, exacerbated by reduced oil imports and declining tourism.
• Relations between Havana and Washington remain strained, with Trump reversing a brief thaw from 2014 by reimposing sanctions and banning cruise ships in 2019.

Why It Matters: Trump escalates economic pressure on Cuba with tariff threats, leading to Mexico suspending oil shipments.