Washington, March 31 (NationPress) The United States has permitted an oil shipment to arrive in Cuba on humanitarian grounds, despite asserting that there has been no official alteration in its sanctions policy, as stated by the White House on Monday.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned that the decision was taken on a “case-by-case basis” to meet the pressing needs of the Cuban populace.

“As the President indicated… we allowed this vessel to reach Cuba to address the humanitarian requirements of the Cuban people,” she stated.

She emphasized that this action does not indicate a broader policy change.

“There has been no formal change concerning our sanctions policy,” Leavitt clarified, remarking that such decisions would continue to be assessed individually.

This clarification came amidst inquiries about whether the United States was relaxing restrictions on oil shipments to Cuba, particularly with regard to Russian vessels.

Leavitt dismissed claims of a wider easing, asserting, “These decisions are currently being made on a case-by-case basis.”

She also noted that the US retains the right to enforce sanctions, including the potential seizure of vessels where legally permissible.

“We continue to maintain the right to seize vessels… that breach United States sanctions policy,” she affirmed.

At the same time, the administration has highlighted a degree of flexibility in specific situations.

“The President and the administration also reserve the right to waive those… on a case-by-case basis,” she responded when questioned.

“The President previously threatened to penalize any nation that would send oil to Cuba, yet now the US is allowing this Russian tanker to proceed to Cuba. Is this a policy shift, or is he open to permitting more tankers into Cuba?” she was questioned.

“This was a decision that will continue to be made on a case-by-case basis for humanitarian reasons or other considerations, but there has been no definitive change in our sanctions policy,” Leavitt explained.

“President Shienbaum of Mexico has also mentioned that Mexico is looking into various methods to resume some shipments to Cuba. Is the administration supportive of that currently?” another journalist asked.

“There’s been no alteration in our sanctions policy. We still reserve the right to seize vessels if it is legally applicable, that are en route to Cuba and that violate the United States sanctions policy, but naturally, the President and the administration also reserve the right to waive those seizures on a case-by-case basis,” Leavitt concluded.