U.S. Seeks To Prevent Cuba From Getting Russian Oil Despite Lifting Restrictions To Reduce Energy Prices Amid Iran War

The U.S. is seeking to prevent Cuba from getting Russian oil despite lifting restrictions on it to reduce energy prices soaring during the war in Iran.

Bloomberg noted that the Treasury Department added Cuba to the list of countries restricted from taking Russian oil.

It updated another license issued last week, when Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the U.S. would allow selling Russian oil loaded on tankers on or before March 12. The license also impacts Iran, North Korea and regions of Ukraine occupied by Russia.

The development takes place as two tankers believed to be carrying Russian oil head to the island, which continues to face acute fuel shortages.

CNN reported that the Anatoly Kolodkin, which has been sanctioned by the U.S., the UK and the EU is carrying 730,000 barrels of Russian oil and is heading to Matanzas. It departed from Russia in early March and is now in the middle of the Atlantic.

The vessel joined the Sea Horse, which this week resumed navigation to the island after diverting course in February. The vessel is believed to be carrying some 200,000 barrels of gas oil.

Russia released a statement this week its "deep concern about escalating tensions in regards to Cuba and the growing external pressure over the Island of Liberty."

Moscow claimed that Cuba is facing "unprecedented challenges, which are a direct consequence of the years-long commercial, economic and financial embargo and, more recently, the energetic embargo imposed by the U.S. on Cuba."

"We are convinced that the heroic Cuban people, which has proven its loyalty to the ideals of freedom, independence and social justice many times, as well as unparalleled resilience and courage before external threats, will know how to defend its right to sovereignly choose its path. On our end, we provide and will continue providing Cuba with necessary support, including material support," the document added.

At the same time, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her administration is "looking into different possibilities" to resume fuel shipments to the island. Speaking during her daily press conference, Sheinbaum said the country is "sovereign to have trade agreements with any country in the world. "As well as the humanitarian aid at the moment, for the Cuban people who are suffering so much, we are looking into ways to continue helping," she added.