The United States permitted an oil delivery to Cuba citing humanitarian grounds, clarifying that this action does not indicate a change in its sanctions policy. The decision, made on a case-by-case basis, aimed to address the urgent needs of the Cuban people. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that no formal alteration had occurred in the sanction policy and that such determinations would be assessed individually.
Questions arose regarding potential easing of restrictions on oil shipments to Cuba, especially involving Russian tankers. Leavitt dismissed notions of a broader relaxation, affirming that current decisions are being handled on a case-by-case basis. She reiterated the US’s stance on enforcing sanctions, including the possibility of seizing vessels where legally justified.
While maintaining the right to uphold sanctions, the administration highlighted a degree of flexibility in specific situations. Leavitt underscored that decisions to waive sanctions would be considered on a case-by-case basis, addressing concerns about potential policy shifts. Despite inquiries about other countries exploring oil shipments to Cuba, the US stance on sanctions remained unchanged, with Leavitt reiterating the country’s prerogative to seize vessels violating sanctions while also allowing for waivers in specific instances.
