What's happened
Mexico has suspended oil shipments to Cuba following US threats and Cuba's reliance on Mexican and Venezuelan oil. The move comes amid escalating US sanctions and diplomatic tensions, with Mexico balancing its traditional support for Cuba against US pressure. The situation risks a humanitarian crisis in Cuba.
What's behind the headline?
The current crisis underscores the geopolitical tug-of-war over Cuba's survival. Mexico's decision to pause oil shipments reflects a delicate balancing act between maintaining its traditional solidarity with Cuba and avoiding US economic retaliation. The US aims to weaken Cuba's regime by cutting off its vital oil supplies, framing this as part of broader regional security efforts. Mexico's stance, emphasizing sovereignty and humanitarian concerns, indicates a cautious approach that seeks to avoid direct confrontation with the US while managing domestic political pressures. The potential for a humanitarian crisis in Cuba is imminent, with shortages of fuel threatening hospitals, food supplies, and basic services. This situation could escalate into broader regional instability if US sanctions deepen and Mexico faces economic repercussions. The next steps will likely involve diplomatic negotiations, but the US's hardline stance suggests that Cuba's oil crisis will persist unless significant policy shifts occur.
What the papers say
The articles from Reuters, The Independent, AP News, Politico, and Al Jazeera provide a comprehensive view of the evolving situation. Reuters highlights Cuba's looming humanitarian collapse and US warnings. The Independent and AP News detail Mexico's diplomatic responses and the political tightrope Sheinbaum walks amid US threats. Politico emphasizes Mexico's strategic balancing act and domestic pressures, while Al Jazeera underscores Cuba's assertion of sovereignty and the impact of Venezuela's oil suspension. The contrasting tones reflect US pressure's intensity versus Mexico's diplomatic caution and Cuba's resilience.
How we got here
Mexico has been a key oil supplier to Cuba since Venezuela's oil exports were cut off after Maduro's detention by US-backed forces. Mexico's Pemex shipped nearly 20,000 barrels daily in 2025, but recent US pressure and Venezuela's suspension have strained this support. US sanctions and threats have increased tensions, with Trump demanding no oil or money flow to Cuba, citing regional security concerns. Cuba, historically supported by Venezuela and Mexico, now faces severe shortages amid US sanctions and diplomatic isolation.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Is Mexico Supporting Cuba's Oil Supply Despite US Pressure?
Mexico's decision to continue supplying oil to Cuba amid US threats has raised many questions. Why is Mexico prioritizing its sovereignty over US pressure? What are the broader implications for US-Mexico relations? And how does Venezuela's suspension of shipments impact Cuba? In this page, we explore these key questions and more to understand the complex geopolitics at play.
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Why Did Mexico Stop Oil Shipments to Cuba?
Recent developments have seen Mexico halt oil shipments to Cuba amid rising US sanctions and diplomatic tensions. This move raises questions about Mexico's motives, the impact on Cuba's economy, and the broader geopolitical implications. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this complex situation and what it means for the region.
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Why Did Mexico Halt Oil Shipments to Cuba?
Recent developments have seen Mexico suspend oil shipments to Cuba amid rising US sanctions and diplomatic tensions. This move raises questions about Mexico's motivations, the impact on Cuba, and the broader regional implications. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this complex situation and what it means for the future of US-Mexico-Cuba relations.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a country in the southern portion of North America. It is bordered to the north by the United States; to the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; to the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea
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Cuba, officially the Republic of Cuba, is a country comprising the island of Cuba as well as Isla de la Juventud and several minor archipelagos. Cuba is located in the northern Caribbean where the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean meet.
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Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo ( born 24 June 1962) is a Mexican politician, energy and climate change scientist, and academic who is the 66th and current president of Mexico since 2024. She is the first woman and the first Jewish person to hold the office....
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.