Cuba Denounces U.S. Imposes 'Total Blockade,' Similar to Military Siege

Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez denounced the United States on Saturday, accusing Washington of imposing a "total blockade" on the Caribbean nation, describing it as similar to a "military blockade." Rodríguez pointed to the ongoing oil siege initiated by the U.S. in January and reinforced sanctions against companies engaging in business with the island state.

“

total blockade against the Caribbean country, similar to a military blockade

Rodríguez stated on social media that the United States maintains an "economic strangulation plan against Cuba." This plan, he explained, prevents foreign companies from selling parts or technology for Cuban thermoelectric plants and prohibits any global company from selling oil to the island. He added that the U.S. is sanctioning CUPET, Cuba's state-owned oil company, which Washington claims handles assets "illegally expropriated from U.S. owners."

President Donald Trump's executive order from May 1 threatens sanctions against foreign entities operating in vital sectors like energy, defense, mining, and financial services in Cuba. The order also bars entry into the U.S. for foreign individuals involved with Cuban government entities or implicated in human rights violations or corruption. Consequently, Canadian mining firm Sherritt suspended its direct participation in nickel extraction, and international hotel operators like Spain's Meliá and Iberostar ceased operations in Cuba.

“

includes that foreign companies do not sell parts or technologies for Cuban thermoelectric plants and prevents any company in the world from selling oil to the island.

Rodríguez asserted that the U.S. measures are meticulously designed to hinder Cuba's economic development and track its financial sources. He further accused the U.S. of "blackmailing and threatening states that sovereignly maintain cooperation agreements with Cuba in health matters." In recent months, several Caribbean nations, including Honduras, Guatemala, and Jamaica, have ended or reformed their medical cooperation with Cuba under U.S. pressure. Cuba is currently experiencing a severe energy crisis, worsened by the U.S. oil blockade, leading to extensive blackouts across the island and deepening its economic downturn.

“

blackmails and threatens states that sovereignly maintain cooperation agreements with Cuba in health matters