U.S. Sanctions Cuban President and Castro Family Members

The United States has intensified its economic pressure on Cuba by imposing new sanctions targeting President Miguel Díaz-Canel, his wife Lis Cuesta, and several members of the prominent Castro family. The U.S. Treasury Department announced the measures Thursday, expanding a strategy that has tightened the economic embargo against the communist island since 1962.

This latest action follows a similar move in July 2025, when Díaz-Canel was sanctioned for his role in suppressing 2021 citizen protests. The new sanctions also name Alejandro Castro Espín, son of revolutionary leader Raúl Castro, his grandson Raúl Alejandro Castro, and the president's stepson, Manuel Anido Cuesta. The U.S. is employing a combination of sanctions against regime figures and companies, legal actions, and a de facto oil blockade.

The sanctions are being implemented as Cuba grapples with its most severe economic and humanitarian crisis since the 1959 revolution. Despite ongoing negotiations between Washington and Havana aimed at finding a resolution, no breakthroughs have been reported. The U.S. cites Cuba's alleged threat to its security, while Havana asserts its right to negotiate without compromising its sovereignty.

These measures come on the heels of recent U.S. sanctions against Cuban ministers, generals, and intelligence services. The economic pressure has also impacted international businesses, with major hotel chains like Spain's Meliá announcing their withdrawal from the island this week. Visa and Mastercard payment operations have also been suspended. The U.S. contends that Cuba is effectively controlled by the military conglomerate Gaesa, which dominates key economic sectors like tourism.