Why is Cuba strategic for the United States? Expert explains amid Venezuela crisis

The Caribbean island nation of Cuba, which is a little smaller than the State of Pennsylvania in the United States, located in the Atlantic Ocean, is now under US President Donald Trump's radar after he launched a ‘large-scale’ attack on the South American nation of Venezuela and arrested President Nicolas Maduro. America’s interest in Cuba is much more than just the geographical reasoning; it's borderline strategic.

Soon after the turn of the year into 2026, Donald Trump carried out military strikes on Venezuela and captured Maduro amid allegations about the leader turning the country into a “narco-state” and manipulating elections.

Weeks after the arrest, Venezuela is now run by an interim government led by interim President Delcy Rodríguez, with the United States as its watchdog till the country elects a new leader to replace Maduro. Trump, in a recent post, threatened Cuba for its deals with Venezuela, bringing the small island nation in the crosshairs of the world's largest economy.

Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) data suggests that Venezuela holds one of the largest oil reserves in the world, reportedly with more than 300 million barrels of crude.

President Trump said that after the US’ intervention, Venezuela does not need protection from Cuba anymore, “from the thugs and extortionists who held them hostage for so many years.” He also disclosed that there will be no more oil or money going to Cuba and suggested that the country makes a deal with the United States before it becomes “too late.”

“THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA - ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE,” said Donald Trump in his recent post on Truth Social.

On the global maritime trade front, Cuba is located right next to the Windward Passage, which in turn connects to the Panama Canal, a key trade route connecting the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean, commonly used by shipping companies.

“Cuba occupies a unique place in the foreign policy of the United States, encompassing geographic proximity, political influence, and economic potential. Cuba has access to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, two maritime corridors essential for commerce and defence of the United States. Cuba’s location near the Panama Canal enhances its role in global trade, making stability in Cuba vital for international shipping and energy transport for the United States,” said Deni Shah, Head of Customs & International Trade, Bhuta Shah and Co LLP.

According to the Council on Foreign Relations data, the United States intended to isolate the island from the country in both economic and diplomatic terms, even later imposed several sanctions over the years.

The relations started to worsen since the Cold War, when in 1959, Fidel Castro and his group seized power in Cuba, overthrowing the US-backed government. Soon after the Cuban revolution, America recognised Castro’s government but started imposing its sanctions on the country.

After this move, the Republic of Cuba started increasing its trade flow with the Soviet Union, leveraging the opportunity from the fallout with the US federal government. Although Barack Obama tried to ease the tensions between the two countries, US President Donald Trump has gone against the move with his recent threat.

When talking about Cuba, people often recall the Cuban Missile Crisis, which severed the diplomatic ties of the country with the United States. It all started when the Cuban government allowed the Soviets to set up a secret nuclear missile on the island nation, soon after America’s attempt to take over Castro’s government.

After a thirteen-day showdown in October 1962 between US President John F. Kennedy and Soviet Union leader Nikita Khrushchev, which nearly escalated into nuclear war, the Soviets agreed to withdraw the missiles in exchange for Kennedy's word not to invade Cuba and remove US nuclear missiles from Turkey.

“Militarily, Cuba’s proximity to the United States is a threat, especially with the growing influence of Russia and China in Cuba through military and intelligence ties, investment in infrastructure and telecommunications,” Shah told Mint.

The island nation holds the world’s third-largest reserves of critical minerals like cobalt and nickel, which are critical for making components for electric vehicles (EVs), semiconductors, etc.

CIA data also revealed that the country holds other key minerals like iron ore, chromium, copper, salt, timber, silica, and petroleum.

“Cuba’s significance also extends beyond trade routes. Cuba holds the world’s third-largest reserves of cobalt and vast deposits of nickel, critical for electric vehicles, semiconductors, and integrated circuits. A stable Cuban regime will also help the United States expand trade in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and energy,” said the expert amid Donald Trump's threat of consequences.

Disclaimer: This story is for educational purposes only. The views and recommendations expressed are those of individual experts, not Mint.