The administration of US President Donald Trump is considering imposing a complete blockade on oil imports to Cuba as part of possible new tactics to encourage a change of government in the Caribbean country, the Brussels-based website Politiko reported today, citing three people familiar with the plan, Reuters reports.
Although no decision has been made yet, such a move is being advocated by some critics of the Cuban government within the Trump administration, and is also supported by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reports Politico.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report.
If the plan were to materialize, it would represent a further escalation of Trump's efforts to bring regional powers into line with the United States (US) and underscore the seriousness of the administration's ambition to dominate the Western Hemisphere, according to Reuters.
Earlier in January, Trump vowed to cut off the flow of oil and money from Venezuela, a longtime ally of Cuba, following a January 3 operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro – measures that analysts say could be disastrous for Cuba's already weakened fuel supply, power grid and economy.
Emboldened by the ouster of Maduro and his seizure of the country's oil, Trump has spoken of taking action against Cuba and Colombia. He has also suggested that Cuba should reach a deal with Washington, further ratcheting up pressure on the longtime US foe and provoking a defiant response from the communist-ruled island's leadership, Reuters reports.
Bonus video:
