US President Donald Trump has turned his attention toward Cuba following his military intervention in Venezuela. The Caribbean island nation now faces direct threats from the American administration.
Venezuela Intervention Sets Stage for Cuba Confrontation
In early 2026, President Trump authorized military strikes against Venezuela. American forces captured President Nicolas Maduro amid allegations he transformed the country into a "narco-state" and manipulated elections.
Venezuela currently operates under an interim government led by President Delcy Rodríguez. The United States maintains oversight until the nation elects a new leader to replace Maduro.
Trump recently targeted Cuba through a Truth Social post. He accused the island nation of providing "security services" to Venezuela in exchange for oil and money from what he called "Venezuelan dictators."
Trump's Direct Warning to Cuba
On January 11, 2026, President Trump issued a stark warning. He declared that Venezuela no longer requires protection from Cuba after American intervention.
"There will be no more oil or money going to Cuba - zero!" Trump stated emphatically. "I strongly suggest they make a deal, before it is too late."
The president characterized Cuba's previous relationship with Venezuela as involving "thugs and extortionists who held them hostage for so many years."
Why Cuba Matters Strategically to the United States
Cuba's geographical position creates its primary strategic importance. The island nation sits just 90 to 110 kilometers from Florida, placing it remarkably close to American shores.
According to CIA data, Cuba covers 109,820 square kilometers of land with 3,735 kilometers of coastline. The country shares maritime borders with The Bahamas, Jamaica, and Mexico beyond its proximity to the United States.
Cuba's Crucial Position in Global Trade Routes
Cuba occupies a vital location adjacent to the Windward Passage. This maritime channel connects directly to the Panama Canal, creating a crucial trade route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Shipping companies regularly utilize this passage for global commerce. Deni Shah, Head of Customs & International Trade at Bhuta Shah and Co LLP, explained Cuba's significance.
"Cuba occupies a unique place in United States foreign policy," Shah noted. "The country has access to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, two maritime corridors essential for American commerce and defense."
Shah emphasized that "Cuba's location near the Panama Canal enhances its role in global trade. Stability in Cuba remains vital for international shipping and energy transport for the United States."
Political Dynamics Between Cuba and the United States
Current President Miguel Diaz-Canel leads the Communist state of Cuba. Relations with the United States have remained strained since the late 1950s.
That period saw Fidel Castro overthrow the US-backed government and establish a socialist state. The United States responded by attempting to isolate Cuba economically and diplomatically.
The Cuban Missile Crisis Legacy
Most people recall the Cuban Missile Crisis when considering US-Cuba relations. This 1962 confrontation nearly escalated into nuclear war between the United States and Soviet Union.
The crisis began when Cuba permitted the Soviets to install secret nuclear missiles on the island. After a thirteen-day standoff, the Soviets agreed to withdraw their missiles.
In exchange, President John F. Kennedy promised not to invade Cuba and removed American nuclear missiles from Turkey. Despite Barack Obama's attempts to ease tensions, President Trump has renewed confrontational policies.
Cuba's Economic and Resource Significance
Beyond geography and trade routes, Cuba possesses substantial mineral resources. The island nation holds the world's third-largest reserves of cobalt and significant nickel deposits.
These critical minerals prove essential for manufacturing electric vehicle components, semiconductors, and integrated circuits. CIA data reveals Cuba also contains iron ore, chromium, copper, salt, timber, silica, and petroleum.
Security Concerns and Regional Influence
Deni Shah highlighted additional concerns driving American interest. "The economic crisis in Cuba increases migration and drug trafficking risks into the United States," Shah explained.
"Militarily, Cuba's proximity to the United States presents a threat," Shah continued. "This concern grows with increasing Russian and Chinese influence through military ties, intelligence cooperation, and infrastructure investments."
Shah concluded that "a stable Cuban regime would help the United States expand trade in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and energy sectors."
President Trump's recent threats against Cuba underscore how the small island nation remains strategically significant despite its size. The coming months will reveal whether Cuba heeds Trump's warning to "make a deal" with the United States.
