U.S. President Donald Trump warned on Tuesday (local time) that the Cuban government poses a threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy, declared a state of national emergency, and threatened to impose tariffs on imports from countries supplying oil to Cuba.

The measure, announced by presidential executive order, accuses Cuba of colluding with adversarial nations including Russia, China, and Iran, and of supporting terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah.

It specifically pointed out that Cuba operates Russia's largest overseas signals intelligence gathering facility, which aims to steal sensitive U.S. information. It also emphasized Cuba's cooperation with China on intelligence and defense matters.

The executive order states, "The policies, practices, and actions of the Government of Cuba are designed to support adversarial nations, transnational terrorist organizations, and malicious actors that seek to harm and undermine the United States."

Under this order, the Department of Commerce, in consultation with other agencies, can assess countries that directly or indirectly supply oil to Cuba and recommend imposing additional tariffs on products from those countries, with the final decision to be made by President Trump.

The order also authorizes the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Commerce to take all necessary actions, including the promulgation of rules and guidance, to implement the tariff regime and related measures.

In a fact sheet released Thursday, the White House stated, "President Trump implemented a strong policy towards Cuba during his first term, reversing the one-sided agreements of the Obama administration, which had eased sanctions without meaningful reforms for the Cuban people."

This declaration of a state of emergency is an exercise of authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the National Emergencies Act, and it was announced effective Friday, the 30th, at 12:01 a.m. (Eastern Time).

The White House stated that these measures are intended to hold the Cuban regime accountable and protect U.S. interests.

NNP=Sung Ku Hong, Chief Editor / Special Contribution NNP info@newsandpost.com