Overview
- President Donald Trump said the U.S. has begun engaging senior Cuban officials and predicted a possible deal even as oil restrictions remain in force.
- An executive order signed this week authorizes tariffs on imports from countries supplying oil to Cuba and labels the Cuban government an unusual and extraordinary threat.
- Cuba denounced the measures, with Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez declaring an international emergency and President Miguel Díaz‑Canel promising resistance.
- Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said she was blindsided by the order, confirmed a paused Pemex shipment, and warned the tariff threat could trigger a humanitarian crisis.
- Fuel shortages tied to reduced Venezuelan and Mexican supplies have produced long gasoline lines, a sliding Cuban peso, and extended power cuts, while Pope Leo urged sincere and effective dialogue to prevent further suffering.