Story perspectives

U.S. Blockade Threatens Cuba's Economy, Risks Political Chaos

1/14/2026

Center

U.S. Intensifies Blockade

The United States has intensified its blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers, harming Cuba's economy.
Venezuelan oil exports to Cuba fell from 100,000 barrels daily in 2015 to 35,000 barrels daily.
If oil supplies cease, Cuba could face total collapse, affecting transportation and industry.
The collapse could create a political vacuum potentially filled by the Cuban military or drug cartels, raising U.S. security concerns.

Right

Trump Blocks ExxonMobil

U.S. President Donald Trump declined to involve ExxonMobil in Venezuela, calling the country "uninvestable."
In a meeting with oil executives, he said firms would deal with the U.S. government, not interim Venezuelan leaders.
Trump signed an executive order to shield Venezuelan oil revenue from judicial claims and oversee sales of sanctioned crude.
Chevron remains the only major U.S. operator in Venezuela and plans to increase production.

Left

U.S. Intervenes in Venezuela

Following the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, the country faces significant challenges.
The Colombia-Venezuela border remains a trafficking corridor that could empower armed groups resisting a new government.
Afro-Venezuelans fear U.S. actions, showing a racial and class divide in responses.
Historical context shapes sentiment among marginalized communities as the interim leadership faces an uncertain future.

History

Historical Context

The Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962 marked a pivotal moment in U.S.-Cuba relations, stemming from U.S. attempts to isolate Cuba post-revolution. Following the crisis, U.S. sanctions severely limited Venezuelan oil exports to Cuba, dropping from 100,000 barrels daily in 2015 to 35,000. Today, intensified U.S. actions against Venezuelan oil threaten Cuba's economy, risking instability in the region.

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U.S. Intensifies Blockade

The United States has intensified its blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers, harming Cuba's economy.
Venezuelan oil exports to Cuba fell from 100,000 barrels daily in 2015 to 35,000 barrels daily.
If oil supplies cease, Cuba could face total collapse, affecting transportation and industry.
The collapse could create a political vacuum potentially filled by the Cuban military or drug cartels, raising U.S. security concerns.

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