Trump suggests 'friendly takeover' of Cuba as US tightens fuel blockade
Mar 3rd 2026
President Trump told reporters the US could carry out a "friendly takeover" of Cuba as his administration steps up economic pressure and a fuel blockade that the United Nations says risks a humanitarian collapse, while Havana denounces the moves as imperialist.
- Trump said the United States could pursue a "friendly takeover" of Cuba while calling the island a "failing nation" in deep economic trouble.
- The administration has cut off Venezuelan oil to Cuba and threatened tariffs on countries that supply it to increase pressure for regime change.
- The article reports a January US operation in Venezuela and says the administration transferred Venezuelan oil into US custody, actions that have heightened tensions with Havana.
- United Nations experts warned the fuel blockade risks a humanitarian collapse in Cuba and described the measures as an unlawful form of economic coercion.
- The US announced $6 million in humanitarian aid to Cuba and a favorable licensing policy for resale of Venezuelan oil that excludes transactions with the Cuban government or its security forces.
- Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel condemned the US measures as imperialist, accused foreign-linked attackers of hostile actions near Cuban waters, and pledged to defend national sovereignty.