• Trump demands Cuba make a deal, threatening the end of Venezuelan oil supply.
• He claims Cuba's reliance on Venezuela for oil has ended following Maduro's removal.
• Cuban officials respond defiantly to Trump's warnings, emphasizing their sovereignty.
• 32 Cuban security personnel were reported killed during the U.S. operation against Maduro.
• Trump suggested Marco Rubio could lead Cuba, escalating political tensions.

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Cuba, declaring that the island nation must "make a deal" or face serious consequences as it loses all support from Venezuelan oil. "THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA - ZERO!" he proclaimed on his Truth Social platform. This warning follows the U.S. military's recent operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, thereby cutting off Cuba's oil supply, which has been crucial for its economy over the years, according to Channel News Asia and Le Monde.

Trump asserted that Cuba had long depended on Venezuelan oil and money in return for providing security services to Maduro's regime, claiming, "BUT NOT ANYMORE!" He warned Cuba to act quickly or face dire consequences, echoing sentiments that it could be "ready to fall" in light of this cut-off, as reported by India Times and Business Insider.

The situation escalated following the U.S. operation that led to the deaths of 32 Cuban personnel, who were in Caracas as part of security agreements. In response to Trump's threats, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel asserted that Cuba is an "independent and sovereign nation" not subject to external dictates, stating defiantly, "No one tells us what to do," according to South China Morning Post and Los Angeles Times.

In a notable exchange on social media, Trump endorsed the idea of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio potentially leading Cuba, suggesting, "Sounds good to me!" This remark amplified tensions and political speculation regarding U.S. intentions in Cuba, drawing support as well as criticism from various political figures in the U.S., as detailed by Reuters and Al Jazeera.

Cuban officials, while recognizing the severe implications of losing Venezuelan oil, remain defiant. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez emphasized their sovereignty, stating that they have the right to import fuel without interference, highlighting a broader context of resilience against U.S. sanctions that have impacted Cuba's economy, according to India Times and BBC.