US imposes new sanctions on Cuban president and Castro family members

The United States has escalated its pressure campaign on Cuba by imposing new economic sanctions targeting President Miguel Diaz-Canel and members of the Castro family. The Treasury Department's actions, announced Thursday, also include sanctions on the ministry of the revolutionary armed forces and several other Cuban entities.

President Diaz-Canel, his wife, and stepson are among those directly affected by the latest measures. The sanctions come amid a broader strategy by the Trump administration to isolate and pressure the communist-led neighbor, which has been under a U.S. embargo for decades. Recent actions have included a de facto fuel blockade, exacerbating the island's energy crisis and fragile economy.

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targeting the network that enables and funds Cuba’s subversive and radical operations

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on X that the sanctions aim to target the network funding Cuba's "subversive and radical operations." He asserted that the U.S. would "no longer tolerate radical Marxist regimes" exporting their ideology. The targeted entities include the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, Amistur Cuba, and the committees for the defense of the revolution.

Rubio warned that any entity providing services to these sanctioned actors risks facing sanctions themselves, urging foreign banks and companies to cease such activities. These latest actions follow a 2025 decision to restrict visas for Cuban President Diaz-Canel and other high-ranking officials. The Trump administration has repeatedly signaled its intent to increase pressure on Cuba, drawing parallels with its approach to Venezuela.

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the US would “no longer tolerate radical Marxist regimes” exporting their “poisonous and evil ‘revolution’” to the US and elsewhere.