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US Allows Oil Shipment to Cuba on Humanitarian Basis, No Policy Shift

The United States permitted an oil shipment to reach Cuba to address urgent humanitarian needs of its people. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized this was a case-specific decision and does not signal a broader shift in sanctions policy. She stated the US reserves the right to seize vessels violating sanctions but can also waive such actions individually. The clarification came amid questions over potential easing of restrictions, particularly involving Russian tankers.

Key Points: US Allows Oil to Cuba for Humanitarian Needs, Sanctions Remain

  • US approved oil shipment to Cuba
  • Decision made for humanitarian needs
  • No formal change to sanctions policy
  • Case-by-case evaluations will continue
2 min read

US allows oil to Cuba on humanitarian grounds​

White House clarifies a Russian oil tanker reached Cuba for urgent humanitarian reasons, stressing US sanctions policy remains unchanged.

"This was a decision that will continue to be made on a case-by-case basis for humanitarian reasons - Karoline Leavitt"

Washington, March 31

The United States has allowed an oil shipment to reach Cuba on humanitarian grounds, even as it maintained there has been no formal change in its sanctions policy, the White House said Monday.​

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the decision was made on a "case-by-case basis" to address the urgent needs of the Cuban people.​

"As the President said... we allowed this ship to reach Cuba in order to provide humanitarian needs to the Cuban people," she said.​

She stressed that the move does not signal a broader policy shift.​

"There has been no formal change with respect to sanction policy," Leavitt said, adding that such decisions would continue to be evaluated individually.​

The clarification came after questions over whether the United States was easing restrictions on oil shipments to Cuba, particularly involving Russian tankers.​

Leavitt rejected suggestions of a wider relaxation, saying, "These decisions are being made on a case-by-case basis right now".

She added that the US still reserves the right to enforce sanctions, including the seizure of vessels where legally applicable.

"We still reserve the right to seize vessels... that violate the United States sanctions policy," she said.

At the same time, the administration has also emphasised flexibility in specific circumstances.

"The President and the administration also reserve the right to waive those... on a case-by-case basis," she said in response to a question.

"The President threatened to tear up any country that would send oil to Cuba, but now the US is letting this Russian tanker go to Cuba. Is this a policy change, or is he willing to let more tankers into Cuba?" she was asked.

"This was a decision that will continue to be made on a case-by-case basis for humanitarian reasons or otherwise, but there's been no firm change in our sanctions policy," Leavitt said.

"President Shienbaum of Mexico also said that Mexico is exploring different ways to restart some of those shipments to Cuba. Is the administration okay with that at this time?" another reporter asked.

"There's been no change in our sanctions policy. We still reserve the right to seize vessels if it's legally applicable, that are headed towards Cuba and that violate the United States sanctions policy, but of course, the President and the administration also reserve the right to waive those seizures on a case-by-case basis," Leavitt said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
If the goal is truly humanitarian, then it's a good step. The common people in Cuba shouldn't suffer because of political disputes. But the "case-by-case" basis leaves too much room for ambiguity and potential bias.
A
Arjun K
From an Indian perspective, we've seen how sanctions can hurt ordinary citizens. While national security is important, there must be a clear humanitarian corridor. This ad-hoc approach by the US isn't a policy, it's improvisation.
S
Sarah B
The press secretary's statements are all over the place. "We reserve the right to seize vessels" but also "we reserve the right to waive." It creates uncertainty for everyone. Clarity in foreign policy is crucial for global stability.
V
Vikram M
This is pure realpolitik. The US is testing waters, perhaps due to pressure from allies like Mexico. The mention of the Russian tanker is key—shows they're willing to make exceptions even with adversaries when it suits them. Very interesting times.
M
Meera T
As an Indian, I appreciate that humanitarian needs are being considered. We believe in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family). But this should be a consistent principle, not a tactical tool used only when convenient. The people of Cuba deserve better than this uncertainty.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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