'No One Dictates What We Do': Cuba Fires Back At Trump's Threat Over Venezuelan Oil Amid Iran Crisis

Havana: Cuba's President Miguel Diaz Canel has delivered a fiery response to US President Donald Trump's threat to cut off oil and money to the island nation, accusing Washington of having no moral authority to dictate terms. Amidst escalating tensions between the United States and Cuba, Diaz Canel's warning comes in response to Trump's claims that Cuba has long relied on Venezuelan oil and money, and that this support will now cease.

Cuba's President Diaz Canel, in a strongly-worded statement, asserted his nation's sovereignty, saying, "Cuba is a free, independent, and sovereign nation. Nobody dictates what we do." He lashed out at Trump's threat as an attempt to intimidate Cuba, adding that those who criticize the island's economic struggles should be "silenced by shame" as they are aware that US sanctions are the root cause of these hardships.

The Cuban President reacted after Trump's social media post, where he announced that there will be "no more oil or money going to Cuba - ZERO!" Trump claimed that Cuba had provided "security services" to Venezuela's previous dictators and that this arrangement was no longer acceptable.

Diaz Canel stressed that Cuba has been subjected to US aggression for 66 years and is prepared to defend itself. "Cuba does not aggress, it has been aggressed by the U.S. for 66 years, and it does not threaten, it prepares itself, ready to defend the Homeland to the last drop of blood," he said.

Trump's threat to Cuba comes as Venezuela and Washington are progressing on a $2 billion deal to supply Venezuelan oil to the US, with proceeds to be deposited in US Treasury-supervised accounts.

Economic Consequences For Cuba

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez also weighed in, stating that Cuba has the right to purchase oil from any country willing to export it without US interference. He accused the US of behaving in a "criminal" manner and threatening global peace.

The US threat to cut off oil and money to Cuba is likely to exacerbate the island's economic struggles. Venezuela, Cuba's biggest oil supplier, has halted shipments to Cuba since President Nicolas Maduro's capture by US forces in early January. Mexico has emerged as an alternative supplier, but its capacity is limited.

Amidst the looming threat from the United States, Cuba's residents have expressed defiance in the face of Trump's threat. "That doesn't scare me. Not at all. The Cuban people are prepared for anything," said Alberto Jimenez (45), a produce vendor.

Maria Elena Sabina (58), a Havana resident, said it's time for Cuba's leaders to make changes amid so much suffering. "There's no electricity here, no gas, not even liquefied gas. There's nothing here... So yes, a change is needed, and quickly," she said.

Following the military action in Venezuela, Donald Trump has hardened his rhetoric against Cuba in recent weeks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Cuba of "propping up" Maduro's government and supporting its internal security apparatus.

Iran Turmoil Kills Hundreds, US Warns of Consequences

On the other hand, the nationwide violent protests in Iran have resulted in at least 538 deaths, with over 10,600 people detained, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. The protests, which began two weeks ago, were triggered by economic hardship and have evolved into calls for regime change. The Iranian authorities have responded with force, cutting off internet and phone lines, making it difficult for journalists to verify the situation on the ground.

The Iranian government has warned that the US military and Israel will be "legitimate targets" if America uses force to protect protestors. The US warning comes as Donald Trump has expressed support for the protesters, saying, "Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!" Trump and his national security team are considering various responses, including cyberattacks and direct strikes.

Protesters Defy Crackdown, Demand Change

Meanwhile, despite the violent crackdown, protesters have continued to take to the streets, with demonstrations reported in Tehran and other major cities. The protests have spread to over 180 cities, posing a major challenge to the Iranian regime. The countries across the world have expressed their concerns over the prevailing situation in Iran, with the US, Israel, and other countries weighing their options.

The US has not indicated whether it has made any decisions regarding military action, but Trump's comments have escalated tensions with Iran after he stated that he would intervene to help the protesters if needed.