President Donald Trump warned Cuba on Sunday to "make a deal" or face unspecified consequences, stating that the flow of Venezuelan oil and money to the island would cease following the anticipated fall of Nicolás Maduro. The statement, posted on Trump's Truth Social platform, intensified pressure on Cuba, a long-time U.S. adversary and key ally of Venezuela.

"THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA ZERO!" Trump wrote. "I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE." The president did not elaborate on the specifics of any potential agreement.

Cuba's reliance on Venezuelan oil has been a crucial factor in its economic stability, particularly as the island nation has faced decades of U.S. sanctions. Venezuela, despite its own economic struggles, has been Cuba's primary oil supplier, providing much-needed resources at preferential rates. However, shipping data indicates a halt in Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba since Maduro's removal last week, exacerbating the island's economic vulnerabilities.

The relationship between Cuba and Venezuela dates back to the rise of Hugo Chávez in Venezuela, who forged a strong alliance with Fidel Castro. This partnership involved the exchange of Venezuelan oil for Cuban medical professionals and other services, solidifying a mutually beneficial relationship that has endured for years. The potential loss of this support poses a significant challenge to the Cuban government, which has already been grappling with economic difficulties and shortages of essential goods.

The United States has maintained a trade embargo against Cuba since the early 1960s, a policy rooted in the Cold War era and aimed at isolating the communist regime. While there was a brief period of eased relations under the Obama administration, the Trump administration reversed many of those policies, reinstating stricter sanctions and travel restrictions.

The current situation unfolds against a backdrop of political instability in Venezuela, where Maduro's government has faced widespread protests and international condemnation over allegations of corruption and human rights abuses. The U.S. has recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the legitimate president of Venezuela, further isolating Maduro's regime.

The implications of Trump's warning for Cuba remain unclear, but it signals a potential escalation of tensions between the two countries. The Cuban government has not yet issued an official response to Trump's statement. The international community is closely watching the developments, with many urging a peaceful resolution to the political crisis in Venezuela and a de-escalation of tensions in the region.