Donald Trump has urged Cuba to 'make a deal' or face consequences, warning that the flow of Venezuelan oil and money would stop. The U.S. president has been focusing his efforts on Cuba since U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in a raid on January 3. Venezuela, a long-time ally of Cuba, sends approximately 35,000 barrels of oil daily to the island.

Cuba's foreign minister reacted, asserting that Cuba retains the right to import fuel 'without interference', while the Cuban president stated, 'No one dictates what we do.' Trump's administration has intensified its tactics against sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers, exacerbating the ongoing fuel and electricity crises in Cuba.

Trump declared the end of oil supply to Cuba, suggesting they make a deal 'before it's too late'. Cuban leaders have hit back, emphasizing their right to trade freely and claiming that they would not be coerced.

The tense relationship between the two nations stems from decades of political conflict since Fidel Castro's rise to power. Trump's policy appears to be realigning U.S. interests in Latin America, raising concerns of military action in the region as he reinforces his stance against leftist regimes.