Cuba Declares "International Emergency" in Response to Trump Executive Order

February 3, 2026

In an unprecedented escalation of tensions between Washington and Havana, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla declared on January 30, 2026 an "international emergency" as a direct response to the executive order signed by President Donald Trump the previous day. Trump had declared a state of national emergency with respect to Cuba, stating that the island "constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat" to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. The presidential order authorizes the imposition of tariffs on imports from countries that sell or supply oil to Cuba, with Trump warning that "Cuba will not be able to survive" the impact of American pressure. In his statement, Minister Rodríguez countered by stating that "the situation with respect to the Government of the United States constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat" to the national security of all countries, to peace and international security, and to the survival of humanity in the face of the nuclear threat and climate change. He condemned in "the strongest terms" what he characterized as an "act of aggression" against Cubans. The Cuban foreign minister characterized the threat as coming "totally or substantially from the anti-Cuban neofascist right of the United States," pointing out the danger it represents both for Cuba and for regional and international stability. The situation in Cuba is one of maximum tension given the growing climate of geopolitical uncertainty in the Caribbean and the possibility that the United States could decide to militarily intervene on the island. Foreign embassies and companies have begun preparing evacuation plans in light of the deteriorating situation. Cuba produces barely one-third of the oil it needs, so any energy blockade could be catastrophic for its infrastructure, agriculture, and public services. Despite the gravity of the situation, Havana has not ruled out negotiations "between equals" with mutual respect, although so far no bilateral contacts have taken place. The international reaction has been limited, with China, Venezuela, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressing concern about a potential humanitarian crisis on the island.