A New U.S. Blockade Is Strangling Cuba

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by Jack Nicas and Christiaan Triebert

February 20, 2026

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The Trump administration has effectively imposed a blockade on Cuba, marking the first such action since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. This move is particularly concerning as Cuba faces a severe fuel shortage, pushing the nation toward a humanitarian crisis and potentially destabilizing its government. The U.S. has intercepted ships carrying oil to Cuba, while an executive order signed by President Trump threatens tariffs on countries supplying oil to the island, deterring even willing allies like Mexico from providing aid. Cuban tankers have been largely unable to leave the island for months, leaving the country with dwindling fuel reserves. The situation has worsened as potential suppliers, such as Russia and Venezuela, face their own challenges in delivering oil. For instance, a tanker linked to Cuba recently traveled to Curaçao but returned empty, while another was intercepted by U.S. authorities near the island. The U.S. military's increased presence in the Caribbean further complicates the situation. In addition to blocking Cuban oil shipments, they have also targeted vessels attempting to deliver fuel from other nations. This strategy has created a growing sense of isolation for Cuba, with no clear end in sight. The Trump administration's actions, though not officially labeled as a blockade, are having the same impact. The implications of this crisis extend beyond Cuba's borders. It highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, as well as the potential for further escalation in U.S.-Latin American relations. As Cuba struggles to secure fuel, its economy and political stability hang in the balance, raising concerns about regional security and humanitarian crises. This situation underscores the delicate state of U.S.-Cuba relations and the broader implications of economic and diplomatic pressures on smaller nations. For readers interested in international affairs, this story offers insight into how historical tensions can resurface with significant consequences for global stability.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/20/2026