INTERNATIONAL — February 18, 2026

Trump Extends Seizure Order for Ships Bound for Cuba for Another Year

U.S. President Donald Trump extended for another year the order permitting seizure and inspection of ships bound for Cuba, citing national security concerns over migration. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla condemned the move, warning of potential fuel shortages and hardships for Cubans.

The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Hasht-e Subh2 min read

Trump Extends Seizure Order for Ships Bound for Cuba for Another Year
Image courtesy Hasht-e Subh

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued an order extending for one year the seizure and inspection of American and foreign ships heading to Cuba.

TASS news agency reported on Tuesday, February 17, that Trump stated unauthorized entry of U.S. ships into Cuban waters could facilitate greater migration and threaten U.S. national security.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla condemned the action, warning that the decision could expose the island to a "complete fuel blockade" and "difficult living conditions for the people."

The order was originally signed in 1996 by former U.S. President Bill Clinton following the downing of two planes belonging to the Brothers to the Rescue migrant organization. It has been extended multiple times since then.

Read the original reporting at Hasht-e Subh

Reliability assessment

Single source citing TASS (reputable agency) with direct attribution to named officials (Trump via statement, Cuban FM quote), concrete checkable details (presidential order, historical context, specific date), low-stakes policy extension not volatile.

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InternationalDonald Trump, Cuba, Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, United States

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