Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Cuba's Minister of Foreign Affairs, posted the following on his social media account:
“A few hours ago, the Secretary of State claimed that there is no oil blockade against #Cuba.
He has simply chosen to lie. He contradicts the President and the White House Press Secretary.
The reality is undeniable: on January 29, 2026, your President signed an Executive Order threatening all countries with tariffs if they export fuel to Cuba.
In four months, only one fuel shipment has arrived in Cuba. All our suppliers are being intimidated and threatened in violation of free trade and freedom of navigation.
The new Executive Order of May 1st establishes secondary sanctions in the energy sector.
The Secretary is well aware of the damage and suffering that the criminal oil blockade he himself proposed to his President is causing the Cuban people today.”