US declares national emergency over ‘security threats’ from Cuba

US President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency, citing “national security threats originating from Cuba” in a newly signed executive order.

According to documents released by the White House, the Washington administration will now hold the authority to impose additional tariffs on imports from any country that provides oil to Cuba, whether through direct or indirect channels.

Trump justified the decision by pointing to the Cuban government’s “extraordinary measures,” which he claims are harmful to the US and constitute a significant threat.

The executive order further stipulates that the Havana administration is cooperating with Russia, China, and Iran, as well as groups designated as hostile by the US, such as Hamas and Hezbollah.

In a statement included in the decree, President Trump noted:

“I find it necessary and appropriate to establish a tariff system to address this national emergency. Under this system, an additional ad valorem tariff may be applied to the products of foreign states that sell or otherwise supply oil to Cuba, either directly or indirectly.”

The Trump administration contends that the Cuban government has entered a period of collapse, pointing to recent economic contractions on the island, and has reiterated its demand for regime change.

Rhetoric from the White House has sharpened significantly following a military operation in which President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were abducted by US forces in Venezuela.

Trump previously asserted that Venezuela would be managed by Washington until a formal transition of power is established in the country.

The US-based media outlet Politico reports that one of the primary items on Washington’s current agenda is a total blockade of oil shipments to the island.

According to data from energy market analytics firm Kpler, Cuba is estimated to have only 15 to 20 days of oil reserves remaining at its current rate of consumption.